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 potential economic consequences for Israel if the EU suspends its ties as proposed by Josep Borrell?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Lopez, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lopez. The recent proposal by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to suspend ties with Israel has sparked significant debate. Can you summarize the basis for Borrell’s proposal?
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me. Borrell’s proposal is fundamentally rooted in concerns over Israel’s actions during the current conflict in Gaza. He has highlighted “serious concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law” in his communication to EU foreign ministers. The letter indicates a growing urgency regarding the situation and suggests that Israel has not sufficiently addressed these human rights concerns [[1](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/eus-borrell-proposes-suspending-ties-with-israel-due-to-serious-concerns-over-gaza-war/)].
**Editor:** What does this mean for the EU-Israel relationship, specifically in terms of political dialog and trade?
**Dr. Lopez:** The political dialog has been a critical part of the EU-Israel relationship since the agreement that came into force in June 2000. This dialog is essential not only for diplomatic relations but also for maintaining trade ties. Borrell’s proposal could invoke the EU’s human rights clause, which has the potential to suspend political cooperation. This would be unprecedented and could significantly affect both diplomatic engagement and economic relations between the EU and Israel [[1](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/eus-borrell-proposes-suspending-ties-with-israel-due-to-serious-concerns-over-gaza-war/)].
**Editor:** Given the potential for such drastic measures, what are the implications for Israel if this proposal moves forward?
**Dr. Lopez:** If the EU moves forward with this proposal, it could face severe diplomatic isolation. Israel relies on strong partnerships with Western nations, and the EU is one of its largest trading partners. A suspension could not only hinder political dialog but also result in economic repercussions, affecting various sectors that are dependent on European markets. Additionally, it may lead to increased tensions within the region, as Israel could perceive this action as a loss of support from a key ally [[1](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/eus-borrell-proposes-suspending-ties-with-israel-due-to-serious-concerns-over-gaza-war/)].
**Editor:** What might be the EU’s next steps following this proposal?
**Dr. Lopez:** The next steps will depend heavily on the discussions at the upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting. The EU will likely consider various viewpoints from member states regarding how to address these human rights issues while balancing their diplomatic and economic relationships with Israel. There might also be calls for more concrete actions from Israel to address the concerns raised before any drastic measures are taken [[1](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/eus-borrell-proposes-suspending-ties-with-israel-due-to-serious-concerns-over-gaza-war/)].
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for your insights on this critical issue. Your expertise sheds light on the complexities of international relations in the context of human rights.
**Dr. Lopez:** My pleasure. Thank you for having me.