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 the future of EU-Israel relations?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. Carter. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve been closely following the developments regarding the EU’s stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly in light of Josep Borrell’s recent proposal. Could you give us some context on Borrell’s letter and the implications it might have for EU-Israel relations?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. Josep Borrell’s letter sheds light on serious concerns within the EU regarding potential violations of international humanitarian law by Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Borrell emphasized that Israel has not sufficiently addressed these concerns, which raises significant questions about the EU’s political and moral commitments.
**Editor:** What specific actions is Borrell proposing, and how does he intend to use the EU’s human rights clause in this context?
**Dr. Carter:** Borrell plans to recommend that the EU invoke the human rights clause included in the agreement that governs EU-Israel relations. This clause allows the EU to suspend parts of its agreement if there are serious violations of human rights. Essentially, Borrell is suggesting that the EU needs to take a firmer stand on human rights issues, especially given the gravity of the situation in Gaza.
**Editor:** How do you think this proposal will resonate among EU member states, especially those with strong ties to Israel?
**Dr. Carter:** The response is likely to be mixed. On one hand, countries that prioritize human rights may support Borrell’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law. On the other hand, member states with close economic or political ties to Israel might push back against any measures that could jeopardize those relations. This creates a complex political landscape for the EU.
**Editor:** If the proposal goes forward, what can we expect in terms of practical outcomes—will it actually lead to any significant change in Israel’s policies?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s hard to predict the concrete outcomes, but invoking the human rights clause could pressure Israel to reconsider some of its actions. However, the effectiveness of this approach depends on the unity and resolve of EU member states. International diplomacy is often a slow process, and while this could lead to negotiations or dialogues, significant policy shifts may take time.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s a complex situation that certainly warrants close attention as it develops.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential for the public to stay informed on these matters, as they impact many lives and the broader geopolitical landscape.
