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 Borrell’s remarks influence the EU’s overall approach to foreign policy regarding human rights in conflict situations?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Thompson. Let’s dive right into the recent developments concerning EU-Israel relations. European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell has raised serious concerns about potential human rights violations in Gaza due to Israel’s actions during the recent conflict. What is the significance of these remarks?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. Borrell’s remarks are significant because they highlight the EU’s growing concerns about human rights and international humanitarian law, especially in contexts of military conflict. By officially expressing these worries to European Union foreign ministers, he indicates that the EU is taking a stance that could have serious implications for its diplomatic relations with Israel.
**Editor:** Borrell mentioned that Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns. How might this impact the EU’s political dialogue with Israel, especially considering their historical trade agreements?
**Dr. Thompson:** The EU-Israel political dialogue has been longstanding, rooted in shared interests and commitments, including trade relations. If Borrell moves forward with his proposal to invoke the EU’s human rights clause, it could lead to a re-evaluation of these agreements. The potential suspension of certain aspects of their relationship due to unresolved human rights issues could signal a shift in how the EU engages with Israel on a broader scale.
**Editor:** You mentioned the human rights clause. Can you explain what this entails and how it could be applied in this situation?
**Dr. Thompson:** Certainly. The human rights clause is a provision included in the EU’s trade agreements that allows for the suspension of these agreements if a country is found to be in serious violation of human rights. This could mean that if Israel does not sufficiently address the concerns raised by the EU regarding its military actions and their impact on civilians in Gaza, the EU may reconsider its trade relations and other diplomatic engagements with Israel.
**Editor:** What could be the broader implications for EU-Israeli relations if Borrell’s proposal is accepted?
**Dr. Thompson:** Accepting Borrell’s proposal could represent a significant shift in the EU’s approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding its relationships with states involved in conflicts where human rights are at risk. It could encourage a tougher stance on human rights violations globally and potentially lead to increased tensions between the EU and Israel. Moreover, it might influence other countries in the region and beyond to reevaluate their own human rights practices.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson. Your insights help clarify the potential ramifications of Borrell’s proposal as the EU grapples with its values in the context of complex international relationships.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I hope for a resolution that upholds human rights while maintaining diplomatic dialogue.
