The Palestinian Authority has urged the European Union to refrain from ”upgrading” its ties with Israel, arguing that the country systematically violates human rights and its international commitments, including to the EU itself.

A letter sent by Salam Fayyad, the PA prime minister, to EU governments as well as to the European Commission and the European Parliament, conveys his ”deep reservations” about the Union’s apparent plans to deepen economic and political co-operation with Israel.