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 differing perspectives among EU member states affect the outcome of Borrell’s proposal?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Parker, International Relations Expert**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Parker. Let’s dive right into the recent developments concerning the EU’s stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. What can you tell us about Borrell’s proposal regarding potential human rights violations?
**Dr. Parker**: Thank you for having me. Josep Borrell, the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, has expressed serious concerns about Israel’s military actions in Gaza and their compliance with international humanitarian law. In his recent letter to EU foreign ministers, he highlighted that Israel has not sufficiently addressed these human rights concerns. This highlights a significant moment where the EU may reconsider its longstanding relations with Israel, particularly given the urgency of the situation in Gaza.
**Editor**: Borrell’s statement indicates that he plans to invoke the human rights clause related to the EU-Israel agreement. Can you explain the implications of this action?
**Dr. Parker**: Certainly. The human rights clause in the EU-Israel Association Agreement has specific provisions that allow the EU to take measures if human rights are violated. If the EU decides to suspend parts of its relations with Israel, including trade agreements, it could serve as a strong political statement. This may pressure Israel to take the allegations seriously and could potentially lead to changes in their military strategy in Gaza.
**Editor**: How do you think this proposal will be received among EU member states, especially those with strong ties to Israel?
**Dr. Parker**: That’s a crucial point. The EU is a complex entity with varying perspectives among its member states. Some countries, particularly those in Eastern Europe, tend to support Israel more staunchly, while others, like those in Southern Europe, may be more sympathetic to Palestinian concerns. This proposal will likely spark intense debate, as member states weigh their economic interests against their commitments to human rights.
**Editor**: What do you foresee as the next steps in this matter?
**Dr. Parker**: The foreign ministers’ meeting next Monday will be pivotal. They will discuss Borrell’s proposal, and depending on the consensus reached, the EU could initiate a formal review of its relations with Israel. There may be additional negotiations or even calls for joint actions to address the humanitarian crisis. Ultimately, how the EU chooses to handle this could significantly impact the political dynamics in the region.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Parker, for your insights into this developing situation.
**Dr. Parker**: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.