THE European Union (EU) chief Josep Borrell has called for an “immediate end to all violence and a ceasefire”. between Israel and the Palestinians, a statement supported by 26 of the 27 Member States, but not by Hungary.
“The aim is to protect civilians and to provide access to humanitarian aid in Gaza,” Borel said after an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers.
A transit point to Gaza, destined for a first delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave, opened for a few hours today in Kerem Salom, but was closed again by Israel after Palestinian shelling. However, the UN considered this crossing point “necessary after nine days of crisis”.
Josep Borrell called the “large number of civilian casualties, including women and children,” “unacceptable” in the conflict.
Since the start of hostilities on May 10, 213 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including at least 61 children, and more than 1,440 have been injured, according to a Palestinian report.
In Israel, twelve people were killed, including a child, and 294 were injured in rocket fire.
“We condemn the rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist organizations on Israeli soil and fully support Israel’s right to self-defense (…), but this must be done in a proportionate manner and with respect for international humanitarian law,” Borrell said.
Finally, the head of European diplomacy said that the security of the Palestinians and the Israelis “requires a real political solution”. Even if the priority is to end the violence, Borrell says he will then need to “restore a political horizon.”
Borel did not hide his disappointment at the lack of Hungarian support for the European position, which was accepted by the other Member States.
“I would like everyone to agree with the general direction of the debate. “Honestly, I find it difficult to understand how one can not agree with what has been written,” he said.
For Budapest, European positions on the conflict are “biased and unbalanced”.
“Europe needs to speak with one voice,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told reporters shortly before Borrell spoke. “The EU must play its full role in de-escalation efforts. Waiting is not an option. We must try to seek a cessation of hostilities as soon as possible through convergent pressure. “The EU has to say it, it has to play its part,” Le Drian added.
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