The report, which was published by the Belgian public network, VRT, has been circulating among senior EU officials since November 2024.
The internal assessment, citing findings from the United Nations, the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), concludes that Israel has violated fundamental principles of the laws of war by repeatedly bombing civilian areas, blocking humanitarian aid, and possibly using starvation — which is expressly prohibited under international law.
Although the report refers to violations committed by all parties to the conflict, its main focus is on Israel’s behavior in Gaza. The document states that there have been more than 500 attacks on medical facilities and staff, and that by the end of 2024, only 16 out of 36 hospitals would be partially operational.
Despite these findings, no sanctions have been imposed on the Zionist regime. Under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which gives Tel Aviv preferential access to the European market, both sides are committed to respecting human rights. The agreement, worth around 15 billion euros annually, remains in force.
EU foreign ministers are due to meet on June 23 to decide whether to suspend parts of the agreement. According to VRT, informed sources said that a possible compromise is being considered that would allow Israel to increase humanitarian access to Gaza in order to avoid punitive EU measures.
The publication of the report has deepened the rifts between EU member states. Ireland, Spain and Belgium are said to support activating Article 2 of the agreement and launching a formal review of the human rights situation, while Germany and Italy are opposed, and Hungary has announced it will veto a full suspension of the agreement.
The report ends with a stark warning. “Without urgent action, Gaza risks becoming the greatest man-made humanitarian disaster of this century.”
Israel began its offensive on Gaza on October 7, 2023. Gaza health officials say the attacks have killed more than 54,700 Palestinians and reduced the territory to rubble. Aid agencies have warned of a risk of famine for more than 2 million residents.
Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for committing war crimes against civilians in the war-torn region.
