Call for “urgent humanitarian pause” in Gaza from 26 EU member countries

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission, stated in a press release following a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers that except for Hungary, 26 EU member countries called for an “urgent humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza, as reported by the Spanish press.
EU Foreign Ministers gathered in the Belgian capital, Brussels. Following the meeting, Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, held a press conference. Borrell said that except for Hungary, 26 EU member countries called for an “urgent humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza.

“We want the Israel government not to attack Rafah”
Borrell stated that the EU is against a possible attack on Rafah by Israel and said, “We want the Israeli government not to attack Rafah. Because such an attack will make the humanitarian situation much worse. It will prevent the delivery of necessary humanitarian aid. Ministers called on Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and the decision of the International Court of Justice dated January 26. As a follow-up, the ministers made an urgent humanitarian pause call to lead to a permanent ceasefire.”

Borrell, calling on Israel to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region and protect the civilian population, said, “We discussed the assistance to UNRWA and the latest situation with the UN Gaza Coordinator. We got the latest information from him. He was unequivocal. He demanded that the EU’s assistance not be cut off. They said they continue their assistance in the region, especially in education, and that if the assistance is cut off, no one else can perform these tasks.”

Sanctions against Jewish settlers were discussed
Borrell stated that the issue of sanctions against Jewish settlers who attack Palestinians in the West Bank was also discussed at the meeting.

EU to send military mission to the Red Sea
Borrell, who stated that ongoing attacks by Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden were also discussed at the meeting, reported that the EU has decided to send a military mission to the Red Sea. Borrell used the following statements: “As the EU, we have decided on a naval mission called Aspides. This is a military defense mission in the Red Sea. It will assist against attacks by the Houthis on commercial ships.”

No agreement reached on new sanctions against Russia yet
Borrell announced that EU support for Ukraine would continue regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, which is approaching its second year. Borrell, stating that they are preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia, reported that there is not yet a complete agreement among EU member states on this issue and that he hopes an agreement will be reached in the coming days. Borrell also touched on the issue of Africa, saying, “We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people in the Sahara region. We are making efforts to help the people in the region who are in difficult situations due to coups. We discussed our relations with Chad, Mauritania, and Guinea. We support African solutions to African problems. We support decisions to be taken by the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) in the region. We will not engage in dialogue with the junta government in Niger until President Mohammed Bazoum is released.”