Borrell proposes that the EU suspend political dialogue with Israel over human rights violations in Gaza

suspected human rights violations

International organizations, starting with the United Nations, He has repeatedly accused Israel of human rights violations and international law during the war in Gaza, which began following the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

The EU’s common position has been limited to demands for respect for international law, a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. However, last February, Ireland and Spain asked to review the framework agreement on EU-Israel relationsEffective from June 2000.

Borrell cites this in his letter sent this Wednesday to the Union’s foreign ministers “Serious concerns about possible violations of humanitarian law in Gaza”, And that these concerns “have not yet been adequately responded to by Israel.”

The political dialogue is contained in a comprehensive agreement on relations between the EU and Israel, including comprehensive trade relations, which entered into force in June 2000. “In the light of the above considerations, I would like to propose EU invokes human rights clause To suspend political dialogue with Israel,” writes the leader of European diplomacy.

The move comes after Borrell noted The impossibility of an Association Council meeting with Israel to hear that country’s head of diplomacyAs requested by twenty-seven foreign ministers the year before last summer.

a proposal that has little chance of success

This suspension would require the approval of all 27 countries of the European Union. Diplomats described it as “highly unlikely” that this would be achieved.

Several countries have opposed the measure since a senior EU official briefed ambassadors in Brussels on the proposal on Wednesday, according to three diplomats, who preferred to remain anonymous.

Some EU countries, such as The Czech Republic and Hungary are strong defenders of IsraelWhile others such as Spain and Ireland have emphasized their support for the Palestinian people.

United Nations Human Rights Office Last week the report said that about 70% of the total deaths in Gaza were women and children, and condemned what it called “systematic violations of basic principles of international humanitarian law.”

For its part, Israel has categorically rejected the report. The Israeli military claimed that its action “is in accordance with the principles of distinction and proportionality, and is preceded by Careful assessment of the potential for harm to civilians,