Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell is to propose suspending political dialogue with Israel over its war in the Gaza Strip at an EU foreign ministers meeting on Monday in Brussels.

The move comes after “a year of unheeded pleas by the Israeli authorities regarding respect for international law in the Gaza war,” Mr Borrell wrote in a statement ahead of the meeting.

In addition, Mr Borrell wants the import of products from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which are illegal under international law, to be banned.

The EU foreign policy chief said in October that he wanted to lead a debate on Israel’s conduct in the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon at the next foreign ministers’ meeting.

Political dialogue with Israel is regulated by the EU-Israel Association Agreement which entered into force in 2000, and provides for regular exchanges to strengthen the partnership.

It also states that relations between the sides are based on respect for human rights and democratic principles.

Spain and Ireland had already suggested several months ago that the EU’s partnership agreement with Israel be scrutinised.

The agreement covers political dialogue and economic cooperation in areas such as industry, energy, transport, and tourism.

EU diplomats have stressed that suspending the institutional political dialogue did not mean suspending the EU’s association agreement with Israel.

The move would also not suspend the Association Council, which the EU-Israel agreement created and is the main body handling relations between the two parties.

If the proposal is adopted, diplomats said the differences could be discussed in the Association Council with Israel.

(dpa/NAN)