The European Union’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell. Photo: Getty images
The European Union’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, has proposed suspending political dialogue between the EU and Israel over concerns about possible human rights violations during the war in Gaza. This follows from a letter Borrell sent to EU foreign ministers on Wednesday and was confirmed by four diplomats familiar with the situation, Reuters reported.
In a letter sent ahead of Monday’s ministerial meeting, Borrell said the situation in Gaza raises “serious concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law” and stressed that Israel has not yet addressed these issues properly. The suspension of political dialogue can be proposed on the grounds of “human rights violations” under the EU-Israel agreement, which has been in place since June 2000 and regulates cooperation in many areas, including trade.
“Given these circumstances, I will propose that the EU suspend political dialogue with Israel,” Borrell wrote in his letter.
Borrell’s proposal, while a strong signal of concern, requires the unanimous approval of all 27 EU member states, which diplomats say is unlikely. According to three diplomats, during preliminary discussions in Brussels, several countries expressed objections to the initiative. One of the diplomats said Borrell’s actions signaled serious concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Last week, the UN Human Rights Office said that nearly 70 per cent of the conflict’s victims were women and children, and called the situation a “systematic violation of fundamental principles of international humanitarian law”. Israel has categorically rejected the report, arguing that its military actions are conducted in accordance with the principles of distinction and proportionality and with an assessment of the possible impact on the civilian population.
The situation in Gaza, which began with Hamas’s attacks on Israel on 7 October last year, has divided the EU in its views. The Czech Republic and Hungary are staunch supporters of Israel, while Spain and Ireland have emphasised their support for the Palestinians, calling on both sides to abide by international law.
Borrell, who is finishing his five-year term, risks leaving the EU more divided than ever, given the criticism that has emerged among diplomats over the lack of preparation of the proposal.
