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
#Borrell #suggests #suspending #dialogue #European #Union #Israel
What are the key factors that influenced Josep Borrell’s proposal regarding Israel and human rights violations?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Estevez, International Relations Expert, on Borrell’s Proposal Regarding Israel and Human Rights Violations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Estevez. Recent reports have highlighted EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell’s proposal concerning Israel’s actions in Gaza. What led to this proposal?
**Dr. Estevez:** Thank you for having me. Borrell’s proposal arises from grave concerns regarding potential violations of international humanitarian law during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In his letter to the EU foreign ministers, he emphasized that Israel has not sufficiently addressed these serious concerns. This is a significant moment for the EU as it navigates its diplomatic relations with Israel amidst accusations of human rights violations.
**Interviewer:** Can you explain the implications of resorting to the human rights clause mentioned by Borrell?
**Dr. Estevez:** Certainly. The human rights clause is part of the broader agreement between the EU and Israel, which has been in effect since 2000. By invoking this clause, the EU could potentially suspend certain benefits or cooperation with Israel, which would signal a strong stance on human rights adherence. This could have substantial political and economic ramifications, affecting trade and diplomatic relations.
**Interviewer:** How do you think Israel is likely to respond to this proposal from the EU?
**Dr. Estevez:** Israel may respond defensively, emphasizing its right to defend itself and its population in the context of ongoing security threats. However, they could also seek to engage in dialogue with EU ministers to address and mitigate these concerns, particularly if they feel that EU relations are at stake. The diplomatic landscape is complex, and Israel will likely analyze its next steps carefully.
**Interviewer:** What potential outcomes do you foresee if the EU moves forward with Borrell’s proposal?
**Dr. Estevez:** If the EU takes action, it could lead to a re-evaluation of its relations with Israel. This might encourage Israel to reassess its military strategies and comply with international norms to avoid economic and diplomatic repercussions. On the other hand, it could also create tensions within the EU, as member states might have differing views on how robustly to engage with Israel amidst these allegations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Estevez, for your insights on this crucial topic.
**Dr. Estevez:** My pleasure! It’s an important issue that merits close attention as the situation continues to evolve.