At a discussion in the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights this afternoon, Hagai El-Ad, B’Tselem’s Executive Director, spoke about the urgent need for determined European action to clarify that Israel will bear consequences for violating the rights of Palestinians:
Consequences for human rights violations can be introduced through European foreign policy, by effectively using Europe’s considerable leverage. Clearly, the decision to not do so is a political choice. It undermines Europe’s commitment to human rights and weakens the rules-based international order. It normalizes oppression and dehumanizes Palestinians, because – apparently – no one has to be held accountable for their permanent subjugation.