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 the EU’s emphasis on human rights in its foreign policy influence Israel’s actions in the ongoing Gaza conflict?
**Interviewer:** Welcome to our segment on international relations and human rights. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Maria Lopez, a senior analyst on Middle Eastern affairs, to discuss the recent proposal by EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell. Dr. Lopez, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Mr. Borrell has indicated he will suggest that the EU pause its political dialog with Israel due to concerns over possible human rights violations during the Gaza conflict. Can you explain what his main concerns are?
**Dr. Lopez:** Certainly. Borrell expressed serious concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. In his letter to EU foreign ministers, he emphasized that Israel has not adequately addressed these concerns, hinting at a need for accountability in light of the ongoing conflict.
**Interviewer:** That’s significant. How does this proposal connect to the broader EU-Israel relationship, which has been characterized by close ties, especially in trade?
**Dr. Lopez:** Indeed, the political dialog is a central component of the EU-Israel association agreement, which has facilitated various cooperative efforts since its inception in June 2000. Borrell’s proposal to invoke the human rights clause would mark a significant shift in this relationship. Essentially, it’s a way for the EU to take a stand on human rights issues without completely severing ties, which reflects a balancing act between political interests and ethical considerations.
**Interviewer:** What could a pause in dialog mean for EU-Israel relations?
**Dr. Lopez:** A pause could strain relations significantly. It would not only signal EU discontent with Israel’s actions in Gaza, but it could also impact trade and cooperation initiatives. Moreover, it sends a message to other nations about the EU’s commitment to human rights and international law, which could influence their own policies and actions.
**Interviewer:** In your view, is this step by the EU likely to lead to tangible changes in Israel’s approach to the conflict?
**Dr. Lopez:** It’s hard to say definitively. While the EU’s position on human rights is important, Israel may not feel compelled to alter its military strategies simply due to diplomatic pressure. However, increased scrutiny might lead to greater international awareness and public pressure on Israel to address humanitarian concerns more seriously.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for your insights. It’s clear that this situation is complex and evolving. We appreciate your expertise in unraveling these international dynamics.
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep the dialog open about these pressing issues.
