Press Conference in Brussels
At the daily press conference in Brussels, Massrali was asked about the statement of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell that possible sanctions against Israel should be on the EU’s agenda. He was also asked whether member states agreed on this issue.
Massrali stressed that Borrell’s statements were directed at Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who have advocated for the cessation of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the deliberate starvation of civilians. Recalling that Borrell and other member states have already condemned these statements, Massrali noted that Borrell called on the Israeli government to distance itself from the ministers’ statements targeting civilians.
Massrali stated that the European Union has been imposing sanctions on individuals and organizations involved in serious human rights violations since 2020. Recalling that Israeli individuals occupying Palestinian territories are also subject to sanctions, he said: “There were sanctions before.”He used the expression.
Possible Sanction Decisions and Meeting Dates
Massrali, who did not answer whether the member states had reached an agreement on imposing sanctions on Israeli ministers due to “confidentiality”, noted that the decision on this issue would not be made at the foreign ministers’ meeting to be held on August 29. Massrali stated that it was anticipated that Ukraine and the Middle East would be among the agenda items of this meeting, and said, “The meeting to be held at the end of August is an informal meeting, meaning no official decision will be taken.”He spoke as follows.
