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 could invoking the human rights clause in the EU-Israel agreement affect diplomatic relations between the EU and Israel?
**Interview with José Borrell: Addressing Concerns About Human Rights Violations in Gaza**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Borrell. You have recently raised serious concerns regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. Can you elaborate on these concerns?
**José Borrell:** Thank you for having me. My concerns stem from a range of reports indicating possible violations of international humanitarian law during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These allegations have raised significant alarms within the European Union, prompting a need for serious discussion among our foreign ministers.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns. What specific actions do you believe should be taken by Israel?
**José Borrell:** I believe Israel needs to engage transparently with the international community regarding its military operations and their humanitarian impact. A commitment to independent investigations into these allegations would be a positive step forward. We need to ensure that all parties adhere to international law and prioritize the protection of civilians.
**Interviewer:** You have indicated that you will propose invoking the human rights clause in the EU-Israel agreement. Can you explain what this would mean for EU-Israel relations?
**José Borrell:** The human rights clause is a critical mechanism within our agreement that allows us to ensure compliance with fundamental rights. If we proceed with this proposal, it could potentially lead to a suspension of certain political engagements and cooperation based on Israel’s current actions. It’s essential for us to hold our partners accountable to uphold human rights.
**Interviewer:** How do you perceive the response from other EU foreign ministers regarding your proposal?
**José Borrell:** I’m hopeful for a constructive dialogue during our meeting next Monday. Many of my colleagues share concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and it’s vital that we collectively stand up for human rights. We must act decisively and ensure our policies reflect our values.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Borrell, for your insights. It is clear that the situation is complex, and we will continue to follow this important issue closely.
**José Borrell:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation alive and prioritize the humanitarian needs of all affected by this conflict.
