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EU to Potentially Suspend Dialogue with Israel Over Gaza
The EU's Josep Borrell proposes suspending political dialogue with Israel over human rights concerns in Gaza, facing likely vetoes from member states.
Greek
United States
PoliticsInternational RelationsHuman Rights ViolationsMiddle EastIsraelConflictHumanitarian CrisisDiplomacy
European UnionUnrwaIsrael Government
Josep BorrellBenjamin NetanyahuUrsula Von Der LeyenScott Anderson
- Why is Borrell's proposal likely to fail?
- The proposal's potential failure is not necessarily Borrell's goal. He aims to compel EU member states to publicly state their positions on Israel's actions, thereby making their stance clear and forcing Israel to justify its actions.
- What is the legal basis for Borrell's proposal?
- Borrell's proposal is based on the legally binding human rights clauses within the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The high death toll on both sides (over 1700 Israelis and over 43,000 Palestinians) and Israel's reported obstruction of humanitarian aid further fuel the debate.
- What is Josep Borrell's proposal regarding Israel?
- Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, proposed a formal suspension of political dialogue with Israel due to alleged human rights and international law violations in Gaza. This proposal requires unanimity among EU member states, making its success unlikely given the divisions over the Israel-Hamas war.
- What is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza according to UNRWA?
- The UNRWA director in Gaza, Scott Anderson, highlighted that there are no safe places in Gaza, including designated safe zones, due to the lack of respect for the sanctity of civilian areas such as hospitals and schools by all parties involved in the conflict.
- What previous action regarding the EU-Israel agreement was taken by Spain and Ireland?
- Spain and Ireland previously urged a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This request faced strong opposition from countries like Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary, who are considered staunch supporters of Israel.