Protest against EU’s 'double standards'

Palestinians have demonstrated against a series of decisions adopted by the European Union to develop commercial and diplomatic relations with the Israeli occupying force. The sit-in was organised by the “Palestinians for Dignity” association and took place in Ramallah on Friday in front of the European Union Co-coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support. On Tuesday, the International Trade Committee in the European Parliament voted in favour of free trade between the EU and Israel for most industrial products, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. The European Union raised concerns regarding the health of Palestinian prisoner Samer al-Bark, who has been on hunger strike for 123 days. They also questioned Israel’s use of administrative detention. The association pointed out that international law violations committed by Israel were not mentioned, nor did they urge Israel to release detainees on hunger strike. In a statement, “Palestinians for Dignity” said: “We strictly reject the hypocrisy and double standards of the European Union regarding the Palestinian people and their rights. It is time for the States that are members in the EU to choose between compliance with its legal commitments under the international humanitarian law and the defense of human rights as they allege, or resuming its support for the Zionist occupational forces.” In July, the association urged the European Union to reconsider their position towards Israel. They urged the EU to ask for the release of the prisoners on hunger strike. They also ask the EU to stop European companies investing in the expansion of Israel.