Borrell proposes that EU suspend dialogue with Israel over situation in Gaza - Reuters
High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell has proposed suspending political dialogue with Israel. The EU's top diplomat explained that this initiative stems from potential human rights violations during Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip, reports Reuters.
Western media have obtained a letter in which Josep Borrell proposes that the EU suspend political dialogue with Israel, citing human rights concerns in the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, four diplomats confirmed this information to Reuters.
The letter was sent on Wednesday to the EU foreign ministers ahead of their meeting next Monday. In the document, Borrell expressed serious concern about potential violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.
In the letter, the head of European diplomacy also stated that these issues have not been adequately addressed by Israel at this time.
It is noted that the political dialogue is enshrined in a broader agreement that opened a new chapter in EU-Israel relations, including extensive trade ties that came into effect in June 2000.
"In light of the above considerations, I will be tabling a proposal that the EU should invoke the human rights clause to suspend the political dialogue with Israel," Reuters quotes Borrell's words in the letter.
It is important to note that suspending such a dialogue requires approval from all 27 EU countries, which diplomats believe is unlikely.
Additionally, Reuters states that several countries within the bloc opposed the proposal when a senior EU official briefed ambassadors in Brussels on Wednesday, as reported by three diplomats speaking anonymously.
According to one diplomat, Borrell's proposal aims to send a strong signal of concern about Israel's actions in the war.
Borrell's initiative will be discussed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers, the last one under his presidency before the end of his five-year term in office.
UN report on the situation in Gaza and Israel's response
According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, in a statement last week, nearly 70% of those killed during the war in the Gaza Strip were women and children. The UN agency condemned what it described as a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, Israel categorically rejected this report.
Israeli military officials claim they operate according to the principles of distinction and proportionality, and conduct a thorough assessment of potential harm to civilians.
In early November, Israel officially announced the ban of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which has been operating since 1967, due to its alleged ties to terrorism.
Before this, the Israeli parliament (Knesset) passed a law prohibiting UNRWA's activities in Israel and East Jerusalem. This decision followed long-standing accusations that the agency had been facilitating the activities of radical groups, including Hamas.
Hamas attack on Israel and IDF operation in Gaza
In October 2023, Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack on Israel. They captured several settlements and took dozens of civilians and soldiers hostage.
In response, Israel initiated a ground operation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) not only liberated its territory but also began military actions in the Gaza Strip. The operation is still ongoing. In June, Israel announced the introduction of tactical pauses in its offensive in the Gaza Strip.
