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 could the suspension of Israel’s benefits impact the future of EU-Israel relations and the broader context of EU foreign policy?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Fernandez, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Fernandez. There’s been a significant development regarding Israel and its relationship with the EU. Can you explain the context behind Borrell’s proposal to suspend Israel’s benefits under the EU’s association agreement?
**Dr. Fernandez:** Thank you for having me. The proposal from Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, stems from growing concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly in light of potential human rights violations during the recent conflict. Borrell is compelling the EU to consider invoking the human rights clause within its association agreement with Israel, which has been in place since 2000.
**Editor:** Why is this proposal so significant at this moment?
**Dr. Fernandez:** It reflects the EU’s increasing scrutiny of Israel’s military operations and the humanitarian impact on civilians in Gaza. Borrell’s communications emphasize that Israel has not sufficiently addressed the EU’s grave concerns about violations of international humanitarian law. This adds pressure on the Israeli government to demonstrate accountability for its actions.
**Editor:** How might this proposal affect EU-Israel relations moving forward?
**Dr. Fernandez:** If the EU decides to act on this proposal, it could lead to a diplomatic rift between the two entities. The association agreement covers various aspects, including trade relations, and a suspension would have serious economic implications for Israel. It may push the Israeli government to engage more actively in peace negotiations and to consider international humanitarian standards more seriously.
**Editor:** What are the broader implications for the EU’s foreign policy?
**Dr. Fernandez:** This situation underscores the EU’s commitment to human rights and international law as fundamental principles of its foreign policy. Following this approach could set a precedent for how the EU engages with other nations where human rights issues are at stake, emphasizing that adherence to these norms is non-negotiable for maintaining beneficial relations with the EU.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Fernandez, for your insights on this critical issue. We look forward to seeing how this situation unfolds.
**Dr. Fernandez:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I hope for a resolution that respects human rights for all parties involved.
