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 decision to address human rights concerns impact its diplomatic relations with other nations?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Hart, Human Rights Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hart. Recently, EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell raised serious concerns regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza and proposed using the human rights clause to suspend the EU-Israel cooperation agreement. Can you provide some context on why this is significant?
**Dr. Hart:** Absolutely. Borrell’s concerns stem from reports of possible violations of international humanitarian law during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The human rights clause in the EU-Israel agreement was established to ensure that both parties uphold fundamental human rights and democratic principles. If these principles are not being met, like in the current situation, then invoking this clause becomes a serious consideration for the EU.
**Interviewer:** Borrell mentioned that Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns. What implications does this have for the relationship between the EU and Israel?
**Dr. Hart:** If the EU were to activate the human rights clause, it could lead to suspension or retraction of certain agreements, including trade and diplomatic relations. This would signal a significant shift in how the EU engages with Israel, emphasizing that human rights must be prioritized in international relations. It would also potentially encourage other countries to reassess their ties with Israel based on these human rights considerations.
**Interviewer:** Some argue that suspending relations could exacerbate tensions rather than encourage compliance. What are your thoughts on this perspective?
**Dr. Hart:** It’s a valid concern. However, the goal of such actions is to promote accountability and encourage a change in behavior regarding human rights. While it might increase immediate tensions, history shows that meaningful dialogue often emerges from pressure. The EU has a responsibility to uphold human rights and it’s crucial for their credibility on the global stage.
**Interviewer:** What do you foresee happening in the upcoming EU foreign ministers’ meeting regarding this proposal?
**Dr. Hart:** The meeting will likely be a critical point for discussion. Some member states may be hesitant to take a hardline stance due to political and economic dependencies on Israel. However, the mounting evidence of human rights violations might compel a number of countries to back Borrell’s proposal. Ultimately, it will reflect the EU’s commitment to human rights and its willingness to hold partners accountable.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Hart. It will be interesting to see how this situation evolves and what decisions the EU foreign ministers will make next week.
**Dr. Hart:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue to discuss these critical issues.
