EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell made a statement to the press on the latest situation in Gaza following the EU foreign ministers meeting held in Brussels.
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
Borrell said the war in Gaza was continuing to intensify, stressing that the 290-day conflict had led to new forced displacements of exhausted civilians. He noted that there were more than 17,000 orphans in Gaza and that humanitarian aid arrivals were limited.
International Law and Politics
Borrell stated that international legal decisions should be a guide for political actors, and said, “The application of law should be done by political actors, not by courts.” He also drew attention to the widening gap between law and reality.
Israeli-Palestinian Relations
Borrell stated that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories was illegal and must be ended immediately. He referred to the historical claims of the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu government and emphasized the importance of the international community’s intervention.
Syria Policy
Borrell stated that the Syria policy could be reviewed in line with the demands from EU member states. He stated that they would be pragmatic about the Syrian regime, which is close to Russia and Iran, but that solution-oriented efforts would continue.
