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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**Interview with Dr. Elena Ruiz, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Today, we have Dr. Elena Ruiz, an expert on international diplomacy and human rights, to discuss the recent proposal by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. Welcome, Dr. Ruiz.
**Dr. Ruiz:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** Borrell has expressed serious concerns about potential human rights violations in Gaza, suggesting that the EU should utilize the human rights clause in its agreements with Israel. Can you explain why this clause is significant in this context?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Certainly. The human rights clause in the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which has been in effect since 2000, allows the EU to suspend political dialog if there are serious human rights concerns. It’s a critical mechanism that reinforces the EU’s commitment to human rights and international law, providing a legal basis for actions against non-compliance. Borrell’s invocation of this clause signals that the EU is finding the situation in Gaza intolerable and is considering serious measures in response to ongoing violations.
**Editor:** Borrell indicated that Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns. What implications does this have for EU-Israel relations?
**Dr. Ruiz:** The statement reflects a significant level of dissatisfaction within the EU regarding Israel’s handling of the situation in Gaza. If the EU decides to activate the human rights clause, it could lead to a suspension of their political dialog and potentially impact trade relations, which have been closely tied with this broader agreement. This shift could strain relations significantly and alter the landscape of EU involvement in the region, impacting both diplomatic ties and economic exchanges.
**Editor:** With a meeting of EU foreign ministers approaching, how do you anticipate other member states will respond to Borrell’s proposal?
**Dr. Ruiz:** The response from member states is likely to be mixed. Some countries may fully support Borrell’s stance, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law. However, there could be resistance from member states with strong ties to Israel or those wary of escalating tensions. The likelihood of a veto against Borrell’s proposal exists, as political considerations often influence decision-making within the EU.
**Editor:** In light of these developments, what might be the broader implications for the region if the EU moves forward with this proposal?
**Dr. Ruiz:** If enacted, the suspension of political dialog could embolden other nations or entities that criticize Israel’s actions, potentially leading to increased isolation for Israel on the international stage. Conversely, it may also provoke a stronger reaction within Israel and its allies, possibly escalating conflicts further. The situation is complex, and the EU’s decision could have far-reaching consequences for both humanitarian conditions in Gaza and geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for shedding light on this critical issue. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate these challenging times.
**Dr. Ruiz:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these discussions open and ongoing.
