Spain, Ireland ask EU to probe whether Israel violating human rights in Gaza

The prime ministers of Spain and Ireland have asked the European Commission to urgently review whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations in Gaza.

“We are deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation in Israel and in Gaza… The expanded Israeli military operation in the Rafah area poses a grave and imminent threat that the international community must urgently confront,” the prime ministers say in a joint letter published on the Spanish government website.

“We also recall the horror of Oct. 7, and call for the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire that can facilitate access for urgently needed humanitarian supplies.”

The EU Commission confirms receipt of the letter.

“We do urge all sides when it comes to Israel to respect international law and we note that there must be respect, there must be accountability for violations of international law,” an EU spokesperson says.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar says several EU states are also talking about a possible joint recognition of a Palestinian state.