Borrell‘s proposal is due to Israel‘s involvement in possible human rights violations in the Gaza war, and in a letter he sent on Wednesday to European Union foreign ministers before their meeting scheduled for next Monday, Borrell referred to “serious concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.”
“So far, Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns,” he said.
The political dialogue is an essential part of a broader agreement on relations between the European Union and Israel, which also addresses close trade relations, and entered into force in June 2000.
“In light of the considerations described above, I will submit a proposal that the European Union resort to the human rights clause to suspend political dialogue with Israel,” Borrell wrote.
Any suspension would require approval from all 27 EU member states, something diplomats said was “extremely unlikely.”
Three diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said several countries objected when a senior EU official briefed ambassadors in Brussels on the proposal on Wednesday.
One diplomat said that Borrell’s proposal aims to send a strong signal that reflects concern about Israel’s behavior in the war.
One of the diplomats also said that there was “surprise” among the ambassadors at the “lack of preparation and preparation” for the proposal.
The proposal will be discussed at the foreign ministers’ meeting, the last that Borrell will chair before the end of his five-year term.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said last week that nearly 70 percent of the verified deaths in the war were women and children, and condemned what it described as a systematic violation of the basic principles of international humanitarian law.
Israel said that it categorically rejects the commission’s report, and the Israeli army indicated that its actions “are consistent with the principles of distinction and proportionality and are preceded by a careful assessment of the possibilities of harming civilians.”
The European Union is seeking to reach a strong, unified position on the Gaza war that broke out on October 7, 2023.
There are countries in the bloc, such as the Czech Republic and Hungary, that strongly support Israel, while other countries, such as Spain and Ireland, confirm their support for the Palestinians.
Source: Reuters
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How might the invocation of the EU’s human rights clause influence other countries’ approaches to their relationships with Israel?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Lopez, International Relations Expert**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lopez. The recent letter from EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has raised significant concerns regarding Israel’s actions in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Can you provide some context on what prompted Borrell’s proposal?
**Dr. Lopez**: Thank you for having me. Josep Borrell’s proposal stems from growing apprehensions about potential human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law occurring in Gaza. His letter to EU foreign ministers highlighted that, despite the ongoing conflict, Israel has not adequately addressed these serious concerns. This lack of response has pushed Borrell to consider using the EU’s human rights clause as a mechanism to suspend the political dialogue that has been in place since 2000.
**Editor**: What implications could the invocation of the human rights clause have on EU-Israel relations?
**Dr. Lopez**: Invoking the human rights clause could significantly strain EU-Israel relations. The political dialogue is not just about addressing conflict-related issues but also encompasses broad trade agreements and cooperation across various sectors. If the EU suspends this dialogue, it may lead to economic repercussions and affect the close ties that have been built over decades. It may also alter how Israel interacts with other global partners, knowing that its actions could have implications on its standing in the international community.
**Editor**: What does this suggest about the EU’s stance on human rights and international law?
**Dr. Lopez**: Borrell’s emphasis on human rights illustrates the EU’s commitment to these principles as foundational to its foreign policy. It signals that despite the complex geopolitical landscape, the EU is willing to hold its partners accountable for their actions, particularly when there are allegations of serious violations of international norms. This could encourage other nations to reassess their policies concerning human rights and how they engage with Israel as well.
**Editor**: what can we expect from the upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers regarding this matter?
**Dr. Lopez**: The meeting will likely be pivotal. Expect robust discussions about the next steps in addressing the situation in Gaza, as well as Israel’s responses to the alleged violations. Member states may debate the merits and potential consequences of Borrell’s proposal. The outcome will reflect the EU’s united front—or lack thereof—when it comes to human rights, and may set a precedent for how the EU engages with similar crises in the future. It’s a critical moment for both the EU and the international community at large.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for your insights on this complex and ongoing situation.