Borrell proposes EU suspending 'Israel' dialogue over war on Gaza
Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital where displaced people live in tents in Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip, on November 9, 2024. (AP)
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has suggested that the bloc halt a political discussion with the Israeli occupation, citing potential human rights abuses in Gaza amid the war on the Strip, according to a letter obtained by Reuters and four diplomats.
Borrell mentioned "serious concerns about possible breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza" and accused the occupation of failing to address these concerns in the letter he submitted on Wednesday to EU foreign ministers ahead of their meeting on Monday.
Enshrined in a larger agreement that went into effect in June 2000, the political dialogue began a new chapter on the EU's relationship with "Israel", including close trade connections.
"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 stated.
All 27 EU nations would have to approve a suspension, which the diplomats said was extremely unlikely. According to three anonymous diplomats, several nations protested when a senior EU official briefed ambassadors in Brussels on the idea on Wednesday.
According to one official, Borrell's plan is meant to send a clear message of worry with "Israel's" actions in Gaza. It will be considered in the final meeting of foreign ministers that he will convene before his five-year term ends.
"Astonishment" was expressed by one of the diplomats at "the lack of process and preparation" around the proposal, adding that the result of Borrell's efforts left the EU "more divided than ever."
HRW report accuses 'Israel' of war crimes
Since October 2023, "Israel" has been responsible for the large-scale, intentional forced displacement of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to a report released today by Human Rights Watch.
The report comes amid a brutal Israeli war and total blockade in northern Gaza, which has triggered a new wave of displacement, affecting hundreds of thousands of civilians.
The 154-page report, titled “‘Hopeless, Starving, and Besieged’: Israel’s Forced Displacement of Palestinians in Gaza,” outlined how Israeli actions have led to the displacement of more than 90% of Gaza's population—about 1.9 million Palestinians—and caused extensive destruction across the region over the past 13 months.
As the occupying power, "Israel" has a responsibility to provide adequate facilities for forcibly displaced civilians. However, HRW noted that "Israel" has blocked most of the humanitarian aid, water, electricity, and fuel needed by civilians in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes have also damaged vital resources, including hospitals, schools, water and energy infrastructure, bakeries, and agricultural land, further worsening the dire situation for Gaza’s population, as per the report.
The report went on to say that the laws of armed war in occupied territories only permit the displacement of civilians in exceptional circumstances, such as for imperative military reasons or to protect the population's security. These laws also require adequate safeguards and proper accommodation for forcibly displaced civilians.
Israeli officials argue that the forcible displacement of civilians is lawful, alleging the presence of Palestinian Resistance groups operating within civilian areas, and claiming that the military evacuations aim to target these groups while minimizing harm to civilians. However, HRW’s research largely debunks this claim.
HRW found that there is no legitimate military necessity to justify the mass displacement of nearly Gaza’s entire population, often multiple times. The evacuation process has inflicted significant harm on civilians and has primarily spread fear and uncertainty. Instead of ensuring safety for displaced individuals, Israeli forces have repeatedly attacked designated evacuation routes and so-called "safe zones".