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 consequences for Israel if the EU invokes the human rights clause in their agreements?
**Interview with Dr. Anna Becker, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Becker. The recent remarks by EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza have stirred quite a debate. Can you summarize what Borrell said in relation to Israel and human rights?
**Dr. Becker:** Certainly. Josep Borrell expressed serious concerns about Israel’s potential violations of international humanitarian law during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He highlighted that Israel has not provided satisfactory responses to these concerns, which he articulated in a letter to EU foreign ministers ahead of their upcoming meeting.
**Interviewer:** Borrell alluded to the human rights clause in past agreements with Israel. What does that entail, and how could it impact EU-Israel relations?
**Dr. Becker:** The human rights clause, included in trade agreements, allows the EU to suspend preferential relations if any party engages in severe human rights violations. If the EU were to invoke this clause, it could lead to a significant reassessment of the longstanding political and trade relationship between the EU and Israel, which has been in place since 2000. This would undoubtedly have economic and diplomatic ramifications.
**Interviewer:** What do you think is the likelihood that the EU will actually act on Borrell’s proposal?
**Dr. Becker:** The likelihood depends on multiple factors, including the political climate within EU member states and their stances on the conflict. There is often a divide in opinions among member states about how to approach Israel, given its geopolitical significance. However, growing public sentiment regarding human rights can put pressure on governments to align their foreign policy with these concerns.
**Interviewer:** what does this situation reveal about the role of the EU in global human rights issues?
**Dr. Becker:** This situation illustrates the EU’s commitment to integrating human rights into its foreign policy framework, even when it might jeopardize other geopolitical interests. It highlights the balancing act the EU faces in promoting human rights while maintaining essential relationships. The outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for how the EU manages similar issues globally in the future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Becker, for your insights on this crucial issue. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. Becker:** Thank you for having me.
