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 does Josep Borrell envision a balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict while addressing human rights concerns?
**Interview with Josep Borrell on Human Rights Concerns in Gaza**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, everyone. Today we have a special guest, Josep Borrell, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the European Union. Mr. Borrell, thank you for joining us.
**Borrell:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in. Your recent letter to EU foreign ministers highlighted serious concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. Can you elaborate on what specific violations you’re referring to?
**Borrell:** Certainly. The situation in Gaza has raised alarm bells, particularly regarding the protection of civilians during the ongoing conflict. My letter underscores that the EU has serious concerns about the humanitarian impact of military actions and the treatment of those caught in the conflict. We believe that Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns, which is crucial for upholding international humanitarian standards[[1](https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/israelgaza-speech-high-representativevice-president-josep-borrell-ep-plenary_en)].
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the idea of using the human rights clause to suspend political agreements with Israel. What would that entail, and what effects do you hope it might achieve?
**Borrell:** Triggering the human rights clause would mean suspending certain aspects of our political dialog and trade relations based on non-compliance with human rights obligations. This is not a step we take lightly, but it is vital that we hold our partners accountable to ensure that human rights are a fundamental part of our international relations. I believe this could foster a more constructive dialog and push for a resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals in the region[[1](https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/israelgaza-speech-high-representativevice-president-josep-borrell-ep-plenary_en)].
**Interviewer:** In your view, what is the next step for the European Union in addressing these human rights concerns while maintaining a balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict?
**Borrell:** We need to engage deeply with both sides. Our aim is to support a process that leads to lasting peace. Essentially, we are advocating for the Palestinian Authority to resume control of Gaza while ensuring that Hamas is no longer in power. This is a nuanced challenge, but it is imperative if we want to prevent further escalation and hardship for the civilian population[[1](https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/israelgaza-speech-high-representativevice-president-josep-borrell-ep-plenary_en)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Borrell, for sharing your insights and the EU’s position on this critical issue. We appreciate your commitment to human rights and peace in the region.
**Borrell:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important matters.
