The EU’s outgoing foreign policy chief has urged the bloc to suspend a political dialogue with Israel over human rights concerns in Gaza but it is likely to be vetoed, diplomats said, according to AFP.

Josep Borrell raised his proposal during a meeting of ambassadors yesterday, according to four diplomats involved, and is expected to formalise it when European Union foreign ministers gather in Brussels early next week.

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

Made “without any forewarning,” Borrell’s proposal “came as a complete surprise,” according to a second diplomat who confirmed that it was “immediately objected to by a large group of member states”.