The EU's outgoing foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has called for the bloc to suspend its political dialogue with Israel due to human rights concerns in Gaza, but this move is expected to face strong opposition, according to diplomats.

Borrell presented his proposal during a meeting of ambassadors on Wednesday, as reported by four diplomats involved. He is set to formalize this suggestion when EU foreign ministers convene in Brussels next week.

The foreign policy chief has written to member states, urging them to halt the EU's political dialogue with Israel—part of a broader agreement regulating trade relations—"over alleged abuses" in the Gaza conflict, according to one diplomat.

"It is forcing people to address the issues," the diplomat noted, adding that "the general consensus is that it will not be approved"—considering that EU foreign policy decisions necessitate unanimity among the 27 member states.

Borrell's proposal, made "without prior notice," came as a surprise to many, with a large group of member states immediately objecting to it, according to a second diplomat. Key EU powers such as Germany and Italy, along with the Netherlands, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Greece, are among those reportedly raising objections.

Two other diplomats confirmed Borrell's proposal—formulated as he prepares to hand over his role next month to his designated successor, Kaja Kallas—though they did not provide specifics.

EU member states, which include both strong allies of Israel and steadfast supporters of the Palestinians, have found it challenging to adopt a unified stance on the Gaza war.

The EU-Israel Association Agreement, signed in 2000 and governing bilateral relations, includes legally binding human rights provisions, which Borrell aims to invoke to suspend the political dialogue.

In June, the EU formally invited Israel to discuss ties under the accord in the context of the Gaza conflict, but no meeting has occurred due to disagreements over the agenda.

Spain and Ireland, which earlier this year recognized a Palestinian state, have urged the EU to reassess the entire association agreement in light of Israel's offensive in Gaza.

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