EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called for the suspension of political discussions with Israel, citing alleged human rights violations and international law breaches in Gaza. His proposal, first raised in a recent meeting of EU ambassadors, will be formally presented to foreign ministers in Brussels next week.

The suspension would require unanimous support among EU member states, which is unlikely given the sharp divisions within the bloc over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Opposition came swiftly from several countries, including Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, who viewed the move as unexpected.

Sources close to Borrell suggest the proposal may serve as a political prompt, urging member states to clearly position themselves on Israel’s conduct in Gaza. “This is first and foremost a political signal,” an EU official noted, adding that it also aims to compel Israel to address EU concerns directly.

The proposal is tied to the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which includes human rights obligations. Earlier, Spain and Ireland pushed for a review of this agreement over humanitarian issues in Gaza, but their efforts met with strong resistance and were largely dismissed by the European Commission.

With escalating civilian casualties and significant restrictions on aid in Gaza, the EU faces mounting pressure to clarify its stance. Israel has come under fire internationally for obstructing humanitarian access and restricting the work of UN relief agencies in Gaza, further heightening tensions across the EU.