Escalation in West Bank and Gaza: EU Calls for International Attention and Possible Sanctions
The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has urged international focus on the escalating situation in the West Bank and Gaza. He proposed potential sanctions against Israeli ministers due to increasing radicalization within the Israeli far-right government. Following a meeting in Brussels, Borrell emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire agreement to include provisions for the release of hostages, aiming to alleviate the suffering population.
Highlighting the dire conditions in the West Bank, Borrell expressed concern over inflammatory rhetoric from some Israeli ministers, condemning extremist views calling for the destruction of mosques. He criticized the prioritization of a colonial agenda over peace efforts in Gaza by certain far-right members, proposing sanctions against them.
Despite lack of unanimity among EU member states, Borrell remains determined to address human rights violations, urging further consideration of sanctions. The EU remains committed to addressing the broader implications of the conflict beyond Gaza, extending into the West Bank and Jerusalem.