EU rejects partial suspension of Israel pact

A proposal to partially suspend the European Union's association agreement with Israel has been rejected by EU foreign ministers. The measure was tabled by Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia but did not receive enough backing from other member states. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated the proposals remain on the table but require a shift in member states' positions to come into force, adding that such a shift was not seen at the latest meeting. The EU remains split on imposing sanctions on Israel, despite criticism from some members over the situation in Gaza and violence in the West Bank.