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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What are the specific human rights concerns Josep Borrell has regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza?
**Interview with Josep Borrell, Vice-President of the European Commission**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Josep. You recently expressed serious concerns regarding Israel’s conduct in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly in relation to human rights violations. Can you elaborate on the specifics of these concerns?
**Borrell:** Certainly. In my recent letter to the EU foreign ministers, I highlighted numerous reports indicating potential violations of international humanitarian law by Israel in Gaza. The situation is dire, with mounting evidence of civilian harm and the destruction of essential infrastructure. Despite these serious allegations, Israel has, unfortunately, not provided satisfactory responses or measures to address these concerns.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the possibility of invoking the human rights clause in your proposal. Can you tell us what that means for EU-Israel relations going forward?
**Borrell:** The human rights clause is a critical component of the existing agreements between the EU and Israel. It essentially stipulates that respect for human rights is a prerequisite for favorable relations. If we find that these rights are being systematically violated and Israel fails to respond appropriately, the EU may need to reconsider its engagement with them, including potential suspension of certain agreements.
**Interviewer:** Given the significance of EU-Israel relations, what implications do you believe your proposal might have on both sides, politically and economically?
**Borrell:** This proposal could serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing that human rights are not merely diplomatic jargon but are integral to our international relations. Politically, it could lead to increased pressure on Israel to adhere to international standards. Economically, while the immediate impact might not be visible, a reevaluation of our trade relations under these circumstances could significantly reshape cooperation in the future.
**Interviewer:** what do you hope to achieve at the upcoming meeting of the EU foreign ministers regarding this issue?
**Borrell:** I aim for a unified stance among EU member states on the importance of human rights in our foreign policy. I hope to foster constructive dialog and encourage decisive actions. This is a moment where the EU can stand firmly on its principles and advocate for human rights in all partnerships, even when it’s uncomfortable or politically challenging.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Josep. It’s vital for our audience to understand the ramifications of these discussions.
**Borrell:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to address these urgent matters collectively.
