The European Union’s (EU) head of diplomacy on Monday called on Israel to exert control in the Gaza Strip, echoing Europe’s call for immediate humanitarian breaks, and also condemned the Islamist movement Hamas for using civilians as “human shields” ‘.
“We call on Israel to show maximum restraint to save civilian lives. We condemn Hamas’ use of people and hospitals as shields [humanos]”said Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Arriving at the meeting of EU foreign ministers, the official added that the 27 also spoke out “Concerns about the terrible situation of hospitals heavily affected by bombings”.
The position comes days after the White House announced that Tel Aviv agreed to daily four-hour humanitarian breaks in its attacks in northern Gaza.
On Sunday, Josep Borrell, in a statement on behalf of the Union’s 27 heads of diplomacy, noted that the EU is “deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”
“The EU joins calls for an immediate pause in hostilities and the creation of humanitarian corridors, in particular through increased capacity at border crossings and a dedicated maritime route, to allow humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza safely.”urged the High Representative of the Union.
This Monday, Josep Borrell, arriving at the Foreign Affairs Council, admitted that “it is difficult” to reach a vote of 27 people on the conflict between Israel and Hamas, especially “after the vote in the United Nations, in which the countries [europeus] voted in different ways.”
“Gaza needs more help from every point of view: water, fuel, food. This help is available, it is at the border, waiting to come in”he emphasized.
In his statements, Josep Borrell also asked that the EU “not forget Ukraine [porque] the fight continues” after new bombings.
According to the official, European support for the Ukrainian authorities is “increasing”.
“I can tell you that the level of EUR 27 billion in military aid has been reached and that this is the highest amount ever reached. We continue to train Ukrainian soldiers, we continue to support Ukraine.”he concluded.
The heads of European Union diplomacy are meeting this Monday to discuss the war in Ukraine caused by the Russian invasion and the conflict between Israel and Hamas, at a time when the European Commission is preparing new sanctions against Russia.
Portugal will be represented at the meeting by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, João Gomes Cravinho.
Source: DN
