The European Union countries, with the exception of Hungary, have united in a plea for an “immediate humanitarian pause” in the Gaza conflict, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced.
While grappling for a cohesive stance on Israel’s military actions post the October 7 Hamas assault, Borrell disclosed that foreign ministers from 26 EU states had reached consensus on a statement advocating for “an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire.”
Echoing their previous appeals, EU nations reiterated their call for Israel to refrain from launching an offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah.
Hungary, known for its staunch support of Israel, has consistently diverged from EU positions perceived as critical of the country’s actions.
In an earlier EU declaration, condemnation was directed at Hamas for exploiting civilians as human shields, yet Israel was urged to exercise “maximum restraint” in safeguarding civilian lives amid its conflict with Hamas.
Borrell has voiced sharp criticism of Israel’s conduct during the Gaza conflict. In a previous instance, he accused Israel of fostering the emergence of Hamas through financial support, purportedly aimed at undermining the Palestinian Authority (PA).
Advocating for a peaceful resolution, Borrell emphasized the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state.
In a recent development, the EU’s foreign policy chief called upon Israel’s allies, particularly the United States, to cease arms shipments, citing the high casualty toll in Gaza. Referencing US President Joe Biden’s remark on Israel’s military actions being “over the top,” Borrell questioned the logic of continuing arms support when “too many people” are losing their lives in Gaza.
Addressing reporters in Brussels alongside Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), Borrell posed the question, “How many times have you heard the most prominent leaders and foreign ministers around the world saying too many people are being killed?”
{Matzav.com}
Does “humanitarian pause” mean giving the UN the opportunity to stock ’em up with more weapons?
Where was the EU during the war in Iraq by the US after 9/11?