EU’s Borrell suggests stopping connections with Israel, reports media
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has urged the bloc to suspend talks with Israel concerning human rights abuses in Gaza. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The bloc’s foreign policy chief highlighted human rights violations in Gaza
Israel has overlooked EU concerns regarding potential human rights violations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza, according to Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, in a letter to EU foreign ministers as reported by multiple media sources.
Borrell suggested suspending political ties to send a “strong signal” to West Jerusalem about the need to address worries regarding the IDF’s operations, as cited by Reuters and other outlets that accessed the letter.
Following a surprise incursion by the Hamas militant group into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel initiated a significant military campaign against Hamas. This operation has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and more than 92,401 injuries, as per Palestinian health authorities. The UN Human Rights Office states that nearly 70% of those killed in Gaza so far are women and children.
In his correspondence, Borrell expressed “serious concerns about possible breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza” and noted that “thus far, these concerns have not been sufficiently addressed by Israel.”
“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,” he wrote.
The EU engages in regular political dialogue with Israel under the EU-Israel Association Treaty, established in 2000, which emphasizes that relations are founded on mutual respect for democracy and human rights.
According to sources cited in media reports, Borrell also discussed his proposal in a meeting with EU diplomats on Wednesday and aims to formalize it at the upcoming EU foreign ministers’ meeting next week.
Implementing this decision would require unanimous consent from all 27 member states. One diplomatic source expressed doubt about the proposal’s viability, calling it “a complete surprise” and suggesting that “the widespread expectation is that it will not be agreed.”
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, along with the blockade of Gaza, has attracted international backlash, including potential sanctions. Recently, Israel has seen a decline in Western support amidst the rising death toll and worsening humanitarian circumstances in the region.
The UN has condemned what it characterizes as systematic violations of fundamental international law principles by Israel. The Israeli government has dismissed this report, maintaining that it acts “in accordance with the principles of distinction and proportionality.”
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
Israel has overlooked EU concerns regarding potential human rights violations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza, according to Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, in a letter to EU foreign ministers as reported by multiple media sources.
Borrell suggested suspending political ties to send a “strong signal” to West Jerusalem about the need to address worries regarding the IDF’s operations, as cited by Reuters and other outlets that accessed the letter.
Following a surprise incursion by the Hamas militant group into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel initiated a significant military campaign against Hamas. This operation has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and more than 92,401 injuries, as per Palestinian health authorities. The UN Human Rights Office states that nearly 70% of those killed in Gaza so far are women and children.
In his correspondence, Borrell expressed “serious concerns about possible breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza” and noted that “thus far, these concerns have not been sufficiently addressed by Israel.”
“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,” he wrote.
The EU engages in regular political dialogue with Israel under the EU-Israel Association Treaty, established in 2000, which emphasizes that relations are founded on mutual respect for democracy and human rights.
According to sources cited in media reports, Borrell also discussed his proposal in a meeting with EU diplomats on Wednesday and aims to formalize it at the upcoming EU foreign ministers’ meeting next week.
Implementing this decision would require unanimous consent from all 27 member states. One diplomatic source expressed doubt about the proposal’s viability, calling it “a complete surprise” and suggesting that “the widespread expectation is that it will not be agreed.”
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, along with the blockade of Gaza, has attracted international backlash, including potential sanctions. Recently, Israel has seen a decline in Western support amidst the rising death toll and worsening humanitarian circumstances in the region.
The UN has condemned what it characterizes as systematic violations of fundamental international law principles by Israel. The Israeli government has dismissed this report, maintaining that it acts “in accordance with the principles of distinction and proportionality.”
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
