In a fresh escalation of diplomatic tensions, Israel has rejected a European Union report that accuses it of serious violations of human rights obligations in its military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. The rejection comes just ahead of a high-level EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels scheduled for June 23, where the report is expected to be a major point of discussion.

The controversial report, issued by the EU’s External Action Service (EEAS), compiles assessments from several independent international organizations. It raises alarm over issues such as blocked humanitarian access to Gaza, high civilian casualties during Israeli military campaigns, attacks on hospitals, forced displacement, and rising settler violence in the occupied West Bank. The report also criticizes Israel for lacking accountability mechanisms in addressing these violations.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded with a strongly worded statement dismissing the report as a “complete moral and methodological failure.” Israeli officials accused the EU of relying on inaccurate and biased sources, and failing to take into account Israel’s legitimate security concerns in the face of attacks from Hamas and other armed groups.

At the heart of the issue is the EU-Israel Association Agreement signed in 2000, which stipulates that the relationship between the two sides must be guided by shared values, including respect for human rights and democratic principles. In May 2025, more than half of EU member states supported a move to review Israel’s compliance with the agreement in light of the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Although the current EU report does not call for immediate sanctions, it signals a significant hardening of the EU’s stance on Israel. The EU foreign ministers are expected to deliberate on possible diplomatic measures during the June 23 meeting, including direct dialogue with Israeli representatives. A further review and follow-up discussions are scheduled for July.

Diplomatic observers say the EU remains divided, with some countries pushing for tougher measures and others favoring continued engagement. For now, the emphasis remains on diplomatic pressure, though the possibility of future punitive steps is not ruled out if Israel fails to address the concerns raised.

The developments come amid intensifying global scrutiny of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, particularly with the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinian civilians. The EU report and the upcoming ministerial meeting mark a critical moment in Israel-EU relations, with the potential to reshape future cooperation depending on how both sides respond.