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 implications of the EU activating its human rights clause in response to allegations against Israel?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Thompson, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. We want to discuss the recent statement by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell regarding Israel’s potential human rights violations during the Gaza conflict. What are your thoughts on Borrell’s proposal to activate the EU’s human rights clause in relation to Israel?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. Borrell’s proposal reflects growing concerns within the EU about Israel’s actions in Gaza and the broader implications for international humanitarian law. His assertion that Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns emphasizes the urgency of the situation, especially given the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
**Interviewer:** Borrell mentioned that the political dialogue with Israel is part of a larger agreement that includes trade relations. How could activating the human rights clause affect these ties?
**Dr. Thompson:** Activating the human rights clause could lead to a significant shift in the EU-Israel relationship. This clause is intended to uphold human rights and can be a basis for suspending certain agreements, including trade. If the EU decides to take this step, it could pressure Israel to reconsider its actions and engage more seriously with international norms regarding human rights.
**Interviewer:** Borrell noted “serious concerns” about violations. Can you elaborate on what these concerns typically entail?
**Dr. Thompson:** Certainly. Concerns about violations in this context typically include allegations of excessive use of force, targeting civilians, and undermining the principles of proportionality and distinction in armed conflict. The EU’s commitment to promoting human rights means that any credible allegations must be seriously examined, especially when they involve a member of the international community like Israel.
**Interviewer:** What are the potential ramifications for the EU if it proceeds with Borrell’s proposal?
**Dr. Thompson:** If the EU moves forward, there could be wide-ranging ramifications. On one hand, it would reinforce the EU’s stance on human rights and show that it holds member states accountable, potentially enhancing its credibility on the global stage. On the other hand, it might strain EU-Israel relations and complicate trade, leading to economic implications for both sides. There could also be backlash from those who view such actions as detrimental to peace efforts in the region.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights into such a complex but crucial issue.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for international dialogue and accountability.
