Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, made a poignant statement on Thursday calling for an immediate halt to arms sales to Israel in a bid to end the devastating bombings on the Gaza Strip. This position preceded his meeting with the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jose Manuel Albares.
In his remarks, Borrell stressed that Israeli airstrikes would not stop until ammunition stocks were exhausted, highlighting the continued seriousness of the situation.
In a frank manner, he also revealed the differences within the European Union regarding the adoption of a unified position on the ongoing events in the Middle East.
Addressing the leaders of European Union member states, Borrell posed a poignant question: “ How many more lives will we have to lose before we take the necessary measures to prevent more deaths? » This appeal underlines the urgency and crucial importance of concerted action to put an end to the violence.
Regarding the recognition of the State of Palestine by some European Union member states, Borrell expressed confidence that if a few countries make this decision, others will eventually follow suit.
It should be noted that Ireland, Slovenia, Malta and Norway support the initiative to recognize the State of Palestine, launched by Spain.
Alongside the loss of life, the war has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, causing immense destruction of infrastructure and property, as well as the mass displacement of nearly two million Palestinians, out of the 2.3 million living in Gaza, according to Palestinian and United Nations data.
Despite interim measures by the International Court of Justice and the subsequent adoption by the United Nations Security Council of a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, Israel continues its military operations. This persistence defies international calls for restraint and underscores the pressing need for collective action to end the violence and restore peace to the region.
