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 Borrell’s proposal influence future EU policies regarding human rights and foreign relations?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Martinez, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Today we have Dr. Elena Martinez, an expert in international relations and human rights, to discuss European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borrell’s recent proposal regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Martinez.
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** To start, could you summarize the key points of Borrell’s letter to the EU foreign ministers?
**Dr. Martinez:** Certainly. Borrell expressed serious concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza during the recent conflict. He noted that, so far, Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns, which has prompted him to propose utilizing the EU’s human rights clause to suspend certain political relations with Israel.
**Editor:** That sounds significant. How does this proposal fit into the broader EU-Israel relationship?
**Dr. Martinez:** The EU and Israel have a long-standing relationship that encompasses trade and political dialogue, established through an agreement that came into force in June 2000. This existing agreement includes a human rights clause, which allows the EU to take action if there are severe concerns about human rights violations. Borrell’s proposal signals a potential shift in how the EU might respond to Israel’s actions by holding it accountable for its commitments under international law.
**Editor:** What implications might this proposal have on EU-Israel relations?
**Dr. Martinez:** If the EU decides to act upon Borrell’s proposal, it could lead to significant diplomatic strain. Suspension of certain provisions of the agreement would not only impact trade but could also signal a shift in the EU’s overall approach to human rights in its foreign policy. It could set a precedent for how the EU engages with other countries regarding human rights abuses as well.
**Editor:** Some critics argue that this could escalate tensions in the region. What do you think?
**Dr. Martinez:** There’s certainly a risk that this could exacerbate tensions, especially if Israel perceives it as an unfair move or an undermining of its security efforts. However, proponents of the proposal argue that holding Israel accountable could encourage more responsible behavior in the future and promote peace. The challenge is finding a balanced approach that addresses human rights while also considering the complex realities on the ground.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights on this critical issue.
**Dr. Martinez:** You’re welcome. Thanks for having me.