Germany and Italy have blocked a bid to suspend the European Union's trade agreement with Israel. The move comes amid growing international criticism of Israel's treatment of Palestinians.
The decision was made at an emergency meeting of the EU's 27 member states, where several countries expressed concerns over human rights abuses in the occupied territories.
Germany and Italy reportedly cited economic interests as a reason for their opposition to suspending the agreement. The move has been met with criticism from some EU member states, who argue that the bloc must take a stronger stance on Israel's actions.
The EU-Israel trade agreement was signed in 1995 and aims to promote economic cooperation between the two sides. However, human rights groups have long criticized Israel's treatment of Palestinians, including its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.