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 might Israel respond to the EU’s potential invocation of the human rights clause in their agreement?
**Interview with Dr. Eleanor Harper, International Relations Expert**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Harper. Let’s dive right into the recent developments regarding EU-Israel relations. Can you explain Joseph Borrell’s proposal and its implications?
**Dr. Harper**: Thank you for having me. Borrell’s proposal highlights serious concerns about potential human rights violations by Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His letter to EU foreign ministers expresses that Israel has not adequately responded to these concerns. This is significant because it points towards a possible suspension of relations based on human rights considerations.
**Editor**: You mentioned the human rights clause. Can you elaborate on what that entails?
**Dr. Harper**: Of course. The human rights clause is part of the broader agreement governing EU-Israel relations, enacted in 2000. It allows the EU to suspend certain political agreements if there are violations of human rights or humanitarian laws. Borrell’s intention to invoke this clause indicates that the EU is prepared to reassess its relationship with Israel based on its conduct in the Gaza conflict.
**Editor**: What kind of repercussions might this proposal have, both for Israel and the EU?
**Dr. Harper**: If the EU moves forward with suspending the agreement, it could have significant economic and political repercussions for Israel, particularly regarding trade relations that have been in place for over two decades. For the EU, this may also impact its diplomatic standing in the Middle East, affecting relations with both Israel and Palestinian authorities.
**Editor**: How do you think Israel will respond to these allegations of human rights violations?
**Dr. Harper**: Israel typically counters allegations of human rights violations with claims of self-defense and the complexities of warfare. It will likely seek to engage with the EU to address these concerns and prevent any suspension that could harm their long-standing relationship.
**Editor**: And what do you foresee as the potential next steps from the EU’s side?
**Dr. Harper**: The next moves will depend heavily on the discussions during the upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting. If they decide to proceed with Borrell’s proposal, we could see increased diplomatic pressure on Israel. However, they may also opt for a more conciliatory approach, pushing for dialogue rather than punitive actions. The outcome will reflect the EU’s commitment to upholding human rights while balancing its geopolitical interests in the region.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Harper, for your insights. We appreciate your perspective on this critical issue.
**Dr. Harper**: Thank you, it’s been a pleasure discussing this important matter.
