Josep Borrell, the top diplomat of the European Union (EU), criticized Israel's role in the Gaza war. In response to a question from reporters on Monday (November 18), he said he would propose suspending Israel's political dialogue with EU members. British news agency Reuters reported this.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the EU meeting, he said many have tried to stop the war in Gaza. But that effort has not been successful yet. It doesn't seem likely anytime soon. So we have to put pressure on Hamas as well as the Israeli government.
The EU's foreign policy chief proposed suspending political dialogue with Israel last week, citing human rights abuses during the Gaza war. Reuters has confirmed this information about four diplomats and a letter.
However, this proposal may not get the support of all EU states. Dutch Foreign Minister Casper Veldkamp said the EU should continue dialogue with Israel.
He said the Netherlands believes the door to negotiations should be kept open.
The EU has a longstanding relationship with Israel. However, the EU's human rights concerns have come into renewed discussion in the context of the Gaza conflict. The EU generally plays an active role in international human rights protection. The new proposal could determine the course of its relations with Israel based on the opinion of the members.
