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 recent concerns raised by Josep Borrell affect future diplomatic efforts between the EU and Israel?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Novak, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Novak. Let’s dive into the recent developments regarding EU-Israel relations. Josep Borrell has raised serious concerns about human rights violations in Gaza. What impact do you think this could have on the EU’s relationship with Israel?
**Dr. Novak:** Thank you for having me. Borrell’s position indicates a significant shift in the EU’s approach to its relationship with Israel. By highlighting potential violations of international humanitarian law, it puts pressure on Israel to address these concerns. If the EU were to invoke the human rights clause and suspend certain aspects of their agreement, it would signal that the EU is serious about holding its partners accountable to international standards.
**Editor:** You mentioned the human rights clause. Can you explain what that entails and how it might be applied in this situation?
**Dr. Novak:** Certainly. The human rights clause in the EU’s agreements stipulates that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is a core aspect of the relationship. If the EU finds that a country is not upholding these values, they can choose to suspend certain privileges or partnerships. In Borrell’s letter, he seems to be preparing the groundwork for such action, which could range from diplomatic measures to a reevaluation of trade agreements.
**Editor:** That’s quite significant. What do you think the potential responses from Israel might be in light of this proposal?
**Dr. Novak:** Israel might respond in a few ways. They could engage in dialogue with EU officials to directly address the concerns raised. Alternatively, Israel may seek to reaffirm its commitment to humanitarian laws and highlight its own measures taken to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza. However, if the EU takes concrete steps toward suspending privileges, we could see a more contentious diplomatic relationship, with Israel possibly accusing the EU of interference in its defense operations.
**Editor:** Given the historical context of EU-Israel relations, how would you assess the long-term implications of these recent developments?
**Dr. Novak:** This situation could potentially recalibrate the longstanding relationship between the EU and Israel. If the EU decides to act on Borrell’s proposal, it might lead to a reexamination of the relationship not just with Israel, but also within the broader context of the Middle East peace process. The EU has often positioned itself as a mediator; thus, it may need to reconsider how it balances its diplomatic initiatives with the necessity of upholding human rights standards.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Novak, for your insights on this complex situation. It will be interesting to see how events unfold leading up to the meeting on Monday.
**Dr. Novak:** Thank you for having me. It’s definitely a crucial moment for both the EU and Israel.
