Concerned About Human Rights Violations, EU Diplomat Proposes Suspending Dialogue with Israel

Josep Borrell. (Twitter/@JosepBorellF)

JAKARTA - European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has proposed suspending the bloc's political dialogue with Israel, citing potential human rights violations in the war in Gaza, according to four diplomats and a letter seen by Reuters.

In the letter sent on Wednesday to EU foreign ministers ahead of their meeting on Monday, Borrell cited "serious concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza", saying "so far, these concerns have not been adequately addressed by Israel".

The political dialogue is enshrined in a broader treaty on relations between the EU and Israel, including extensive trade ties, which came into force in June 2000.

"In light of the above considerations, I would propose that the EU should invoke the human rights clause to suspend the political dialogue with Israel," Borrell wrote, according to Reuters on November 14.

The suspension would require the consent of all 27 EU countries, which diplomats said was highly unlikely.

Several countries balked when a senior EU official briefed ambassadors in Brussels on the proposal on Wednesday, three diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Borrell’s proposal was intended to send a strong signal of concern about Israel’s conduct in the war, one diplomat said.

It was due to be discussed at a meeting of foreign ministers, the last one he will lead before leaving his five-year term.

Separately, the UN Human Rights Office said last week that nearly 70 percent of the verified fatalities in the war were women and children, condemning what it called a systematic violation of basic principles of international humanitarian law.

Israel said it categorically rejected the report. The Israeli military said its actions were “in accordance with the principles of distinction and proportionality, and were preceded by a careful assessment of the potential for civilian harm.”

The EU has struggled to find a strong, unified position on the Gaza war, which was sparked by attacks by Palestinian militants Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7 last year. The bloc has called on Hamas to release all Israeli hostages, and for both sides to respect international law.

Some EU countries, such as the Czech Republic and Hungary, are staunch supporters of Israel. Others, such as Spain and Ireland, have stressed their support for the Palestinians.

One diplomat said there was “astonishment” among ambassadors about the “lack of process and preparation” surrounding the proposal.

The move has left the EU “more divided than ever,” the diplomat said.