EU foreign policy chief proposes suspension of political dialogue with Israel

This proposal was outlined in a letter sent to EU foreign ministers on Wednesday, ahead of their meeting next Monday.

Borrell expressed "serious concerns about possible breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza" and noted that "thus far, these concerns have not been sufficiently addressed by Israel."

The political dialogue is part of a broader agreement on relations between the EU and Israel, which includes extensive trade ties and has been in force since June 2000. "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," Borrell wrote.

A suspension would require approval from all 27 EU member states, which diplomats indicated is very unlikely. Multiple countries objected to the proposal when a senior EU official briefed ambassadors in Brussels on Wednesday.

Borrell's proposal aims to send a strong signal of concern regarding Israel's conduct in the war. The proposal will be discussed at the upcoming foreign ministers' meeting, the last one Borrell will chair before ending his five-year term. (ILKHA)