Annalena Burbock. Photo: Kira Hofmann/Photothek Media Lab/Global Look Press
Germany has categorically rejected the proposal by European diplomacy chief Josep Borrell to end political dialogue between the European Union and Israel. German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock said that the country remains committed to open channels for dialogue, which, in her opinion, should include Israel. She stressed the importance of regular discussions on the observance of international humanitarian law and the provision of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza, Welt reports.
“We are always on the side of open dialogue. This also applies to Israel,” Burbock said, commenting on Borrell’s proposal. According to her, the dialogue between the EU and Israel, which takes place in the framework of the Association Council, creates opportunities for negotiations on important topics such as the humanitarian situation in Gaza and respect for human rights.
Borrell’s proposal, which was put forward on the eve of the meeting of EU foreign ministers, envisaged a temporary suspension of political dialogue with Israel amid growing concerns about human rights violations in Gaza. At the same time, Burbock noted that such a decision would benefit neither the Palestinians nor the Israelis and would only complicate the search for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Decisions on EU policy in such matters require the unanimous support of all 27 member states. The dialogue between the EU and Israel is enshrined in the Association Agreement, which entered into force in June 2000.
