Borrell Reacts to Ben-Gvir
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-GvirBorrell stated that the international community is working hard to declare a ceasefire in Gaza. However, he condemned Ben-Gvir’s call to cut off fuel and aid to civilians.
Borrell said Ben-Gvir’s statements were similar to those of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel SmotrichHe emphasized that the starvation deaths of 2 million Gazans may be “justified” and constituted “incitement to war crimes”. In this context, he stated that sanctions should be on their agenda.
Borrell, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker TurkBorrell said, “I call on the Israeli government to distance itself from these offenses to commit war crimes and to participate in good faith in negotiations mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to achieve an immediate ceasefire.”
Ben-Gvir’s Statements
What happened? Ben-Gvir told the Israeli newspaper Maariv that instead of agreeing to a ceasefire or prisoner swap with Hamas, they should occupy Gaza territory and encourage exodus. “If we occupy Gaza territory and tell them that they will pay with land for what they have done, if we stop the fuel flow and encourage voluntary exodus, I believe that we will ultimately achieve a complete victory,” Ben-Gvir said. He noted that this was a strategy that had been used several times before in Israel’s history.
On the other hand, the US, Egypt and Qatar called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the resumption of prisoner swap negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Cairo or Doha on August 15.
