EU’s top diplomat calls for suspending dialogue with Israel – media

Israel has disregarded EU concerns about possible human rights violations committed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has said in a letter to EU foreign ministers, according to multiple media reports.

The EU’s top diplomat suggested suspending political ties to send a “strong signal” to West Jerusalem to pay attention to concerns over the IDF’s actions, Reuters and several other outlets reported, citing diplomatic sources and the letter they obtained.

Israel launched a major military campaign against the Gaza-based Hamas militant group after it made a surprise incursion into the southern part of the Jewish State on October 7, 2023. The IDF operation has claimed over 40,000 lives and injured more than 92,401 others, according to Palestinian health authorities. According to the UN Human Rights Office, nearly 70% of those killed in Gaza so far have been women and children.

In his letter, Borrell reportedly cited “serious concerns about possible breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza” and stated 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 maintains regular political dialogue with Israel as part of the EU-Israel Association Treaty, which came into force in 2000, and states that relations between the two are based on respect for democracy and human rights.

According to some diplomatic sources cited by the media, the foreign policy chief also presented his proposal during a meeting with EU diplomats on Wednesday, and is expected to try to formalize it at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting early next week.

The decision would require unanimous approval by all 27 member states. One diplomatic source expressed skepticism on the initiative, saying 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 drawn international criticism in recent months, including threats of sanctions. West Jerusalem has recently experienced a steady decline in Western support due to the mounting death toll and deepening humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

The UN has also condemned what it called systematic violations of the fundamental principles of international law by Israel. The Israeli government has rejected the report and maintains that it is acting “in accordance with the principles of distinction and proportionality.”