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 of the EU activating the human rights clause in its agreement with Israel?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, International Relations Expert and Human Rights Advocate**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. We’ve recently seen European Union foreign ministers receiving a letter from Josep Borrell regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. Can you provide some context around Borrell’s concerns?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. Borrell’s letter highlights the serious worries in the EU about potential violations of international humanitarian law during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His call for a review is rooted in human rights obligations that come with the EU’s relations with Israel. It’s a significant moment in EU foreign policy, reflecting a growing urgency to address alleged abuses.
**Editor:** Borrell mentioned that Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns. What implications does this have for EU-Israel relations?
**Dr. Carter:** The implications could be substantial. Borrell’s proposal to activate the human rights clause in the EU-Israel agreement could lead to a suspension of certain aspects of their political dialogue, potentially affecting trade and diplomatic ties. This signals that the EU is willing to hold Israel accountable for its actions, which could reshape their longstanding relationship.
**Editor:** How do you see this proposal being received among EU member states, especially those with strong ties to Israel?
**Dr. Carter:** There will likely be a division among member states. Countries with a strong commitment to human rights may support Borrell’s initiative, while others, particularly those with closer political or economic ties to Israel, may resist it. The challenge will be finding a consensus that prioritizes human rights without alienating important allies.
**Editor:** What might be the next steps for the EU following this proposal?
**Dr. Carter:** We will see a heated discussion during the upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting. The result of that dialogue will shape the EU’s official stance moving forward. They might consider a variety of measures, from diplomatic pressure to formal statements condemning the actions of the Israeli government, while also weighing the potential fallout on their economic relationships.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights on this complex issue. It’s a developing situation worth monitoring closely as it unfolds.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic.
