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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What are the key concerns regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza as highlighted by Josep Borrell?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. The European Union’s foreign ministers are set to meet soon in response to concerns voiced by Josep Borrell regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. Can you elaborate on Borrell’s proposal and its significance?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely. Borrell’s proposal stems from serious apprehensions about potential violations of international humanitarian law during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He expressed that Israel has not sufficiently addressed these concerns, which raises significant issues for EU-Israel relations.
**Interviewer:** What does the human rights clause involve, and how might its activation affect EU-Israel relations?
**Dr. Thompson:** The human rights clause within the EU’s agreements is a mechanism that allows the EU to suspend or review its political and trade relations with a partner country if human rights violations are observed. If activated, it could severely impact the longstanding cooperative framework between the EU and Israel that has been foundational since 2000, potentially leading to economic repercussions and a reevaluation of diplomatic ties.
**Interviewer:** How do you predict Israel will respond to these allegations and the potential actions of the EU?
**Dr. Thompson:** Israel has historically maintained a strong stance regarding its operations, often emphasizing its security needs. However, with increasing international scrutiny and calls for accountability, it may face pressure from allies to address these human rights concerns more effectively. The challenge for Israel lies in balancing its security interests with the need to maintain its diplomatic relationships, particularly with the EU.
**Interviewer:** What implications do you foresee for the broader Middle East if the EU follows through with Borrell’s proposal?
**Dr. Thompson:** A move by the EU to suspend relations could have wide-reaching implications. It might embolden other nations to reconsider their stances on Israel, affecting regional alliances and the broader peace process. Moreover, it may also impact humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the overall stability of the region.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for providing your insights into this complex issue. We’ll continue to monitor this situation as it develops.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for both international diplomacy and humanitarian considerations.