(JERUSALEM) - Humanitarian and rights groups on Tuesday criticised an EU decision to boost relations with Israel, saying it failed to press hard enough for an improvement of living conditions for the Palestinians.

Monday's decision to improve ties "fails to effectively link it to ending the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and to ensuring respect for human rights throughout the occupied Palestinian territory and in Israel itself," the groups said in a joint statement.

"As Israel's pre-eminent trade partner, the EU must use the upcoming upgrade negotiations process to ensure Israel ends the ever-worsening Gaza blockade, lifts movement restrictions and halts settlement expansion in the West Bank, including east Jerusalem," said Adam Leach, regional manager for Oxfam International.

Kamel Jendoubi, who heads the Euromediterranean Human Rights Network said: "The EU must be consistent in upholding its human rights principles in its foreign relations, and Israel cannot be an exception to this rule."

Twelve Europe-based groups signed the statement.

EU nations on Monday agreed to strengthen relations with Israel but set no timeframe for negotiations amid fears of upsetting Arab states ahead of a Mediterranean summit next month.

General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC)

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