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 the EU’s focus on human rights influence its relationships with other countries in the Middle East?
**Interview on EU’s Human Rights Clause Proposal Concerning Israel’s Actions in Gaza**
**Editor:** Today, we have Dr. Elena Martinez, an international relations expert, to discuss the implications of European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borrell’s recent proposal regarding Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Martinez.
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** Borrell expressed serious concerns about potential human rights violations in Gaza tied to Israel’s military operations. What do you think this indicates about the EU’s stance on human rights issues?
**Dr. Martinez:** Borrell’s letter signals a shift in the EU’s approach to foreign relations, emphasizing accountability for human rights violations. If the EU takes steps to invoke the human rights clause, it could reshape the dynamics of its relationship with Israel and underscore the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law.
**Editor:** He mentioned that Israel has not adequately responded to these concerns. What does this lack of response mean for future EU-Israel relations?
**Dr. Martinez:** Israel’s insufficient response may strain its diplomatic ties with the EU. The EU has long championed human rights, and failing to address these issues could hinder Israel’s access to trade benefits and collaborative projects under the broader agreement established in 2000. It puts Israel in a position where it must address these violations more seriously to maintain a favorable relationship.
**Editor:** The human rights clause has been part of the EU’s agreements since 2000. How significant would the activation of this clause be in practice?
**Dr. Martinez:** Activating the human rights clause would be a substantial step for the EU. It could lead to a suspension of certain trade agreements and cooperative initiatives with Israel, sending a strong message that human rights are non-negotiable in diplomatic relations. Such action could not only affect EU-Israel relations but also influence other nations’ perceptions of the EU’s commitment to human rights globally.
**Editor:** What might be the broader implications for the Middle East if the EU moves forward with this proposal?
**Dr. Martinez:** Should the EU implement the clause, it could inspire other nations and organizations to take similar stands on human rights, possibly leading to increased pressure on Israel from the international community. This could either foster a more balanced approach to peace negotiations or, conversely, deepen divisions if it is perceived as one-sided.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It remains to be seen how the EU and Israel will navigate these complex discussions in the coming weeks.
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation that will undoubtedly impact many lives.