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 implications of invoking the human rights clause in EU-Israel agreements on future diplomatic relations?
**Interview with European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Borrell. Your recent letter to EU foreign ministers has raised significant concerns regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. Can you elaborate on why you believe there may be violations of international humanitarian law?
**Borrell:** Thank you for having me. The situation in Gaza has escalated, and there are serious reports and evidence suggesting potential violations of international humanitarian law. My concerns arise from the humanitarian impact of military actions, including civilian casualties and damage to essential infrastructure. We cannot overlook the humanitarian crisis unfolding there, and it is our responsibility to ensure that all parties adhere to international norms.
**Editor:** You mentioned that Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns. What specific steps do you believe Israel should take to resolve these issues?
**Borrell:** It’s essential for Israel to engage constructively with the international community. This includes providing transparency about military operations and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without obstruction. Additionally, a dialogue surrounding accountability for any possible violations is critical. It is not enough to assert compliance; Israel must demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights.
**Editor:** Your proposal hints at invoking the human rights clause within the EU-Israel agreements. Can you explain what that would entail and what outcomes you envision?
**Borrell:** The human rights clause within the EU-Israel agreement allows us to suspend certain diplomatic and trade relations if there are serious violations of human rights. Should we find that Israel does not address these concerns satisfactorily, our recommendation will be to take appropriate measures. This could mean re-evaluating our strong ties with Israel until we see genuine progress in addressing human rights issues.
**Editor:** How do you foresee this affecting EU-Israel relations, especially in terms of trade and political dialogue?
**Borrell:** The EU values its relationship with Israel, particularly in terms of trade and political cooperation. However, our commitment to human rights is non-negotiable. If we proceed with the human rights clause, it could strain relations, but it’s essential that we stand consistently by our principles. The hope is that this will encourage positive change and ultimately strengthen long-term relations based on mutual respect and adherence to international law.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Borrell, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. We appreciate your commitment to upholding human rights on the global stage.
**Borrell:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue these discussions and work toward a more just and peaceful resolution for all involved.
