BRUSSELS: The EU’s foreign policy chief has called on the bloc to suspend political dialogue with Israel over human rights concerns in Gaza.

Josep Borrell raised his proposal during a meeting of ambassadors on Wednesday, according to the four diplomats involved, and is expected to formalize it when European Union foreign ministers meet in Brussels early next week.

The foreign policy chief has written to member states to ask them to suspend the EU’s political dialogue with Israel – part of a wider deal governing trade relations – “over alleged abuses” in the Gaza conflict, a diplomat said.

“It forces people to talk about the issues,” the diplomat said, adding that “the widespread expectation is that it will not be agreed” – given that EU foreign policy decisions require unanimity among the 27 member states.

Borrell’s proposal “came as a complete surprise”, according to a second diplomat who confirmed it was “immediately opposed by a large group of member states”.

Key powers Germany and Italy were among the countries said to have raised objections, along with the Netherlands, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Greece.

Two other diplomats confirmed Borrell’s proposal – made as he prepares to hand over his designated successor, Kaja Kallas, next month – without giving details.

EU countries – which include staunch allies of Israel as well as staunch supporters of the Palestinians – have struggled for a unified position in the Gaza war.

The EU-Israel Association Agreement, which dates back to 2000 and governs bilateral relations, contains legally binding provisions on human rights, which Borrell hopes to invoke to suspend political dialogue.

The EU formally invited Israel in June to discuss ties under the agreement in the context of the Gaza conflict, but no meeting has taken place due to a lack of agreement on the agenda.

Spain and Ireland – which earlier this year recognized a Palestinian state – have called on the EU to review the entire association agreement over Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

The war broke out with the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, which left 1,206 dead.

Israel’s war against Gaza has killed 43,665 people, according to figures from the territory’s Ministry of Health, which the UN considers reliable.