United Nations Human Rights Council

59^th session 

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Occupied Palestinian Territory

3 July 2025

EU statement 

Thank you Madam/Mister (Vice) President, 

The EU takes note of the Special Rapporteur report.

The EU will continue cooperating with the OHCHR and the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights to promote the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) globally. It will continue supporting the adoption of National Action Plans in Member States and partner countries, and developing a comprehensive EU Framework for UNGP implementation.

The EU and its Member States are committed to fully comply with international law and to implement EU legislation as well as the bilateral technical arrangement applicable to settlement products accordingly. The EU expresses its commitment to ensure that - in line with international law - all agreements between the State of Israel and the EU must unequivocally and explicitly indicate their inapplicability to the territory occupied by Israel in 1967. This does not constitute a boycott of the State of Israel, which the EU strongly opposes.

There must be accountability for violations of international law. The EU calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, leading to a permanent end to hostilities. Concerning the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, where there is an urgent need for the immediate removal of all restrictions to the access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance, in accordance with humanitarian principles and IHL, the EU would like to recall its statement delivered at the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the OPT and Israel on 17 June. The EU also strongly condemns the further escalation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, following increased settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements and Israel’s military operation and increased terrorist attacks against Israel.

The EU reiterates the need for all parties to cooperate with relevant HRC mechanisms and fully respect their mandates.

I thank you.