This Monday, European Union foreign ministers will debate the United Nations Secretary-General’s call for a humanitarian pause in the Middle East, given the worsening situation in Gaza.
At the entrance to the meeting taking place in Luxembourg, the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, called for the release of the Hamas hostages and insisted that the launch of missiles towards Israel stop.
“Missile attacks and rockets of Hamas from Gaza must stop. The hostages, the kidnapped, must be released. Obviously, this is part of any step towards de-escalation, and we have to start thinking about how to revitalize the political process,” said Borrell, arguing that “the priority, at this moment, is to provide humanitarian support to Gaza.”
The High Representative of Foreign Policy of the European Union, Josep Borrell, affirms that the arrival of humanitarian aid is insufficient. “On the first day, 20 trucks were allowed to enter, yesterday there were 20 more. But, in normal times, without war, 100 trucks enter Gaza a day,” he said, considering that this is still the case, “therefore, it is Of course 20 are not enough.”
On the other hand, “it is important to have fuel for the power plant and the desalination plant to work. Otherwise, there is no water or electricity. And without water and electricity, hospitals can barely function,” he warned, considering the debate between the 27 on António Guterres’ call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
“Obviously, we will discuss the issue of a humanitarian force. In Cairo, the issue was highly debated and the Secretary General of the United Nations requested it. And I am sure that the leaders at the next European Summit will discuss the issue. How is it “We can’t discuss the issue? Surely we can,” he said.
The Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs, João Gomes Cravinho, considered “essential that at this moment there is an intense dialogue with everyone, especially also with the Arab countries, the countries of the region”, hoping that it will be possible to use “This is terrible, [e] tragic crisis to create a dynamic of peace”.
“This is what has been missing for the last 15 years, suddenly everyone has realized that there are deep problems to solve in Palestine and in the relationship with Israel,” said the minister, believing that “if something positive can come from here, I believe it is our duty to create the conditions so that, after this immediate crisis, and solving the immediate problem, we finally look towards the solution of the States.
Other themes
This Monday the ministers will also hold a debate on Russian aggression against Ukraine, “focusing on security commitments”, according to a Council note. Gomes Cravinho considers “it is fundamental that this war between Russia and Ukraine is not forgotten by the events in the Middle East”, since “it is necessary to prevent Putin from being the winner of the crisis in Gaza.”
The “evolution of the situation” between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be the subject of an exchange of views between ministers.
Sanctions
This Monday, the Council adopted the decision to extend “for one more year, until October 31, 2024”, the restrictive measures in force “against the Islamic State and Al Qaeda, as well as against natural and legal persons, groups, companies and entities”. associated with them”.
“Currently, the current sanctions regime applies to 14 individuals and 5 groups, which are subject to an asset freeze and travel ban to the EU. In addition, EU individuals and entities are prohibited from putting funds, financial assets or resources available to those covered by the sanctions regime,” states the note already published by the Council.
“The EU remains committed to acting against those who threaten international peace and security by planning, financing and committing terrorist attacks and disseminating terrorist propaganda around the world,” the same note reads.
Source: TSF
