The outgoing High Representative of the European Union for the common foreign and security policy, Josep Borrell, suggested that Brussels should proceed with the suspension of political dialogue with Israel, amid criticism of systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the war has been waging against Hamas in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, according to several European diplomats sources and his letter obtained by Reuters news agency.
The letter of Mr. Borrell is addressing the 27 Foreign Ministers ahead of their upcoming council on Monday (18 November). In it, Mr. Borrell refers to the "serious concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza", which have not been given "adequate" answers by the Israeli Government.
Political dialogue was foreseen in the wider EU-Israel Association Agreement, which came into force in June 2000.
Mr. Borrell states in the letter that he will propose to the Council of Ministers that the EU "invoke the human rights clause in order to suspend the political dialogue with Israel".
To take such a measure requires a unanimous decision of the 27, which diplomatic sources described as unlikely. Several ambassadors from member states raised objections when told of the proposal yesterday, according to three of Reuters' diplomatic sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The proposal of Mr. Borel is intended to send a clear message from Brussels to the Israeli government about the EU's concern about the way it is conducting the war, according to one of the diplomatic sources. It will be tabled at the last Foreign Affairs Council chaired by Josep Borrell before the end of his five-year term.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted last week that nearly 70% of the war's victims have been verified as women and children, condemning what it called systematic violations of fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. Israel rejected the accusation.
The EU is finding it very difficult to draw a clear and unified line on the war in the Gaza Strip. Some member states, such as the Czech Republic and Hungary, strongly support Israel, while others, such as Spain and Ireland, strongly criticize the way the war is being waged and support the Palestinian cause.
One of Reuters' diplomatic sources pointed out that the "lack of process and preparation" regarding Mr. Borrell said ambassadors were "surprised" when they were informed and the EU was "more divided than ever" over the issue.
Source: KYPE