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 Israel’s response to the EU’s concerns impact future diplomatic relations between the two parties?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Moretti, International Relations Expert**
*Editor: Good morning, Dr. Moretti. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments in the European Union’s approach to Israel amidst concerns over the Gaza conflict.*
**Dr. Moretti**: Good morning! I’m glad to be here.
*Editor: Let’s delve into the letter sent by Jose Borrell to the EU foreign ministers. He raised serious concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza. What are these concerns about potential violations of humanitarian law?*
**Dr. Moretti**: Borrell highlighted significant worries regarding Israel’s military operations in Gaza, particularly in relation to civilian casualties and the disproportionate use of force. These actions are viewed through the lens of international humanitarian law, which protects civilians during armed conflicts. The call for accountability is crucial.
*Editor: Borrell states that Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns. What might that imply for EU-Israel relations moving forward?*
**Dr. Moretti**: It indicates a growing rift in what has historically been a strong partnership. By invoking the human rights clause, the EU is signaling a readiness to reassess its ties with Israel. This could lead to strained diplomatic relations and affect trade agreements if substantial changes are not made by Israel regarding their military conduct.
*Editor: You mentioned the human rights clause. Can you explain what that entails?*
**Dr. Moretti**: The human rights clause is part of existing agreements, allowing the EU to suspend cooperation if there are substantial human rights violations. It emphasizes the EU’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights globally. If the proposal is accepted, it could mean serious consequences for the bilateral relationship.
*Editor: How do you foresee the reaction from Israel to these developments?*
**Dr. Moretti**: Israel could respond defensively, viewing this as international interference in its sovereignty. However, it might lead to a reevaluation of its strategies in Gaza and a push for dialogue with Europe to address these concerns, balancing its security needs with the legitimate expectations of the international community.
*Editor: What might be the wider implications for the European Union in taking such a stance?*
**Dr. Moretti**: The EU’s actions could set a precedent for how it handles relationships with other nations with troubling human rights records. It may strengthen the EU’s global image as a human rights advocate but could also create backlash, isolating it from key partners in the region. It’s a complex balancing act.
*Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moretti, for your insights on this pressing issue. We appreciate your time!*
**Dr. Moretti**: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope for a resolution that fosters peace and justice.
