The bloc’s foreign policy chief cited human rights violations in Gaza as the reason, reports say
According to multiple media reports, Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat, has stated in a letter to EU foreign ministers that Israel has ignored EU concerns about potential human rights violations committed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza.
Citing diplomatic sources and the letter they obtained, Reuters and other media outlets reported that Borrell suggested suspending political ties to send a “strong signal” to West Jerusalem to address concerns regarding the IDF’s actions.
Following a surprise incursion by the Gaza-based Hamas militant group into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel launched a major military campaign. According to Palestinian health authorities, the IDF operation has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and more than 92,401 injuries. The UN Human Rights Office reports that nearly 70% of those killed in Gaza have been women and children.
Borrell reportedly expressed “serious concerns about possible breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza” in his letter, stating 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-Israel Association Treaty, which entered into force in 2000, outlines a regular political dialogue between the EU and Israel, emphasizing that relations between the two are grounded in respect for democracy and human rights.
According to media reports, the foreign policy chief presented his proposal during a meeting with EU diplomats on Wednesday. It is anticipated that he will attempt to formalize it at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting early next week.
Unanimous approval from all 27 member states is required for the decision. One diplomatic source, expressing skepticism about the initiative, stated that it was “a complete surprise” and that “the widespread expectation is that it will not be agreed.”
Israel’s war with Hamas and the siege of Gaza have attracted international condemnation in recent months, including threats of sanctions. The rising death toll and deepening humanitarian crisis in the enclave have contributed to a steady decline in Western support for West Jerusalem.
The UN has also condemned what it considers systematic violations of fundamental international law principles by Israel. The Israeli government has refuted the report, maintaining that its actions are “in accordance with the principles of distinction and proportionality.”