The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, defended this Monday suspending dialogue with Israel in response to the Human Rights violations in its offensive in the Gaza Strip, ensuring that it serves as pressure to stop the war in Gaza and Lebanon.
“There are no longer words to describe what is happening in the Middle East,” said the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, in statements upon his arrival at the meeting of EU foreign ministers, in which This will, in principle, be his last Foreign Affairs Council before leaving office and making way for former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
On the table of the 27 will be the decision to suspend political dialogue with Israel, invoking the Human Rights clause of the Association agreement, which governs relations between Israel and the bloc. Borrell follows the demand of Spain and Ireland, which in early 2024 demanded that the EU assess whether Israel complies with the association agreement in its offensive in response to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
But it does not only refer to this request, but also to the continuous discussions within the EU on the evolution of events and to the reports of the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, which “raise serious concerns about possible violations of International Law Humanitarian in Gaza”, after an offensive that has lasted more than a year and has left around 44,000 dead in the Strip, with 70 percent of the victims being children and women.
“We must put pressure on Israel, that is why there are concrete proposals on the table to see if what is happening in Gaza is in accordance with International Law,” said the head of European diplomacy, insisting that the international community must also do the same with Hamas to release the hostages taken on October 7.
The initiative seeks to send a political message to Israel that the EU censures its actions and European diplomacy defends that Borrell has always advocated that “actions must have consequences.”
Before the appointment, Spain has expressed its “full” support for the measure. “We believe that it is important that the European Union takes itself seriously and conveys that the values it advocates are taken seriously. The situation in Gaza continues to be disastrous and unacceptable,” said the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Diego Martínez Belío.
On Belgium’s side, Hadja Lahbib has argued that the defense of International Law has to be the “compass” of the EU in the case of the Gaza Strip, since the EU is putting its principles and international credibility at stake. “We must convene an Association Council with Israel, it is an important partner and if we want to strengthen the relationship we have to ensure that the relationship respects all its components, including Article 2 on Human Rights,” he added.
In any case, the debate is high-voltage and with little room for progress due to the refusal already expressed by a handful of member states who consider that it is not the best step to try to alleviate the situation in the Middle East.
One of the critical ministers has been the Dutch Foreign Minister, Caspar Veldkamp, who has defended “keeping the door open” with Israel and has criticized a “180-degree turn” by Borrell, because until now the EU sought to make Israel sit down in the Association Council. Thus, he framed the proposal in the last meeting of the Spanish politician, hoping that Kallas can renew the dialogue with Tel Aviv.
Diplomatic sources have explained to Europa Press that at least six member states are against this proposal and point out that it is a maneuver by Borrell, who acts like a “totally lame duck”, in reference to the fact that he is living his last days in the position and has lost all authority.
Guest 2: Precisely. Engagement is key, but we must also be firm in our stance on human rights violations. If the EU is perceived as weak or indifferent, it diminishes our credibility as a mediator.
Host: Today, we will be discussing the European Union’s recent decision to suspend dialogue with Israel in response to the ongoing human rights violations and conflicts in the Middle East. To discuss this further, we have two esteemed guest speakers, Ms. Hadja Lahbib and Mr. Caspar Veldkamp. Ms. Lahbib, as the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Veldkamp, as the Dutch Foreign Minister, both have unique insights into the matter. Thank you for joining us today.
Guest 1: Ms. Lahbib, as a strong advocate for human rights and International Law, Belgium has been vocal about suspending dialogue with Israel. Could you please explain the importance of defending these values and the implications of this decision for the EU?
Guest 2: Thank you for having me. Mr. Veldkamp, could you share your thoughts on the significance of maintaining dialogue with Israel, particularly as an important partner for the EU?
Guest 1: Of course. Ms. Lahbib, your opinion?
Guest 2: Absolutely. Ms. Lahbib, considering that the situation in Gaza has been ongoing for over a year and has resulted in thousands of casualties, do you believe that suspending dialogue will truly put pressure on Israel to cease its actions?
Guest 1: I think it’s fair to say that all parties involved in the conflict must take responsibility for their actions. However, as a representative of an organization like the EU that prides itself on upholding human rights and international law, we cannot turn a blind eye to such violations. The decision to suspend dialogue sends a strong message to Israel and to the international community that these actions are unacceptable.
Guest 2: I wholeheartedly agree with you on the importance of upholding values and principles, but I’m concerned about the effectiveness of this approach. Given that several member states are against this move, do you fear that it could ultimately distance the EU from finding a peaceful solution to the conflict?
Guest 1: That’s a valid concern. We must continue to engage with all parties involved, including Israel, to find ways to resolve the crisis. However, the
