Brussels, 19 November 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Several EU countries on Monday blocked a proposal from top European Union diplomat Josep Borrell to "put pressure on the Israeli government" over Israel's conduct during the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

The EU foreign policy chief had suggested suspending the EU's regular political dialogue with Israel amid questions over whether Israel is violating international law during its military offensive in Gaza, which has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead over the course of more than a year.

Borrell was chairing what was likely his last meeting of foreign ministers as the bloc's top diplomat when he made the proposal in a final push for the EU to pursue a tougher line with Israel over Gaza.

But at the Brussels gathering, several ministers signalled that they did not agree with Borrell's proposals.

The move required unanimity to go into effect.

Diplomats said the politicians who did not support Borrell's initiative at the meeting included foreign ministers from Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Netherlands.

In addition, Borrell proposed banning the importation of products from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which are illegal under international law.

This proposal also not did get the backing of EU ministers.

To stop the fighting, the United States and many EU countries have tried to convince the Palestinian militant Hamas movement to release the hostages taken in the October 7 attacks, Borrell said earlier.

"This has not happened yet, and I don't see a hope for this to happen," he said.

The EU foreign policy chief stressed that "both sides have to be put under pressure" and that he wanted the EU to examine if Israel is acting within international law in Gaza.

The top EU diplomat said he has "exhausted the words" to describe what is happening in the Middle East, noting reported casualty figures for people in Gaza as high as 44,000 - with 70% of the dead women and children.

"There are concrete proposals in order to see if what's happening in Gaza is in accordance with international law," Borrell said.

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.

At the meeting on Monday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who opposed Borrell's proposals, expressed openness to targeted action against Israeli government members who question the right of Palestinians to exist or international law.

Borrell had recently put forward a proposal for punitive measures against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Political dialogue with Israel is regulated by the EU-Israel Association Agreement that entered into force in 2000, which 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 suggested several months ago that the Association Agreement with Israel be scrutinized.

The deal covers not only political dialogue but also economic cooperation in areas such as industry, energy, transport and tourism.

However, EU officials stressed that from Borrell's perspective, even a discussion among member states could represent a significant political signal.

The initiative concerning Israel could be Borrell's last major diplomatic move before leaving office.

Over the summer, EU member states selected the former Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas to take over the role.

She can take over the top post once the European Parliament confirms the new European Commission. That process is already under way.

MIA file photo