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EU Weighs Suspending Dialogue with Israel over Gaza Conflict
Josep Borrell proposes suspending EU-Israel political dialogue over human rights concerns in Gaza, but the measure faces challenges due to divisions among EU member states.
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European UnionIsraelHamasUnited Nations High Commissioner For Human RightsReuters
Josep Borrell
- What are the main reasons cited for this proposal?
- The proposal, sent to EU foreign ministers before their upcoming meeting, cites serious concerns about potential breaches of international humanitarian law and a lack of sufficient responses from the Israeli government.
- What is the likely outcome of this proposal and why?
- While Borrell intends to suggest invoking a human rights clause to suspend dialogue, unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states is needed, which is considered unlikely due to divisions among member countries regarding the conflict.
- How divided is the EU on this issue, and what are the different perspectives?
- Some member states strongly support Israel, while others criticize the conduct of the war and support the Palestinian cause, creating a divided stance within the EU regarding the conflict.
- What is Josep Borrell's proposal regarding the EU's relationship with Israel?
- Josep Borrell, the outgoing EU High Representative, proposed suspending political dialogue with Israel due to concerns over human rights violations during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
- What impact did the lack of preparation for the proposal have on the EU's response?
- The lack of preparation and process around Borrell's proposal surprised ambassadors and further highlighted the EU's deep division on the issue, making a decision on the suspension highly improbable.