EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has proposed suspending the EU’s political dialogue with Israel, citing concerns over potential human rights violations during the Gaza war.
In a letter sent to EU foreign ministers ahead of a Monday meeting, Borrell pointed to “serious concerns about possible breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza” and stated that Israel had not adequately addressed these issues. He suggested invoking the human rights clause of the EU-Israel agreement, which covers trade and political relations, to halt the dialogue.
However, a suspension would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states, which diplomats say is highly unlikely. Several countries objected to the proposal during a briefing in Brussels on Wednesday. Borrell’s move is seen as a way to strongly signal EU concern about Israel’s actions, though it remains to be seen whether the proposal will gain traction at the foreign ministers’ meeting.
The U.N. Human Rights Office recently reported that nearly 70% of the fatalities it has verified in the conflict were women and children, condemning what it described as systematic violations of international law. Israel rejected the U.N. report, defending its military actions as in line with the principles of distinction and proportionality.
The EU has struggled to maintain a unified stance on the Gaza war, with countries like the Czech Republic and Hungary staunchly supporting Israel, while others such as Spain and Ireland are more sympathetic to the Palestinians. One diplomat expressed frustration over the lack of preparation and process surrounding Borrell’s proposal, noting that it has deepened divisions within the EU.
