EU’s Josep Borrell Urges Increased Pressure on Israel and Hamas

Brussels (Eurotoday) – The EU’s Josep Borrell emphasised the need to “put pressure on the Israeli administration” and Hamas to attain peace in the region.

How does Josep Borrell plan to address human rights concerns?What is the significance of the EU-Israel Association Agreement?

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on 18 Nov 2024 recalled that measures were made to “stop the war in Gaza,” including by the US, by “putting pressure to free the hostages and to stop the war. This has not occurred yet, and I do not see hope for this to happen. That is why we have to put stress on the Israeli government, also, obviously, on the Hamas side. Both sides have to be put under pressure,” Borrell told journalists before attending the EU Foreign Affairs Council summit in Brussels.

How does Josep Borrell plan to address human rights concerns?

Borrell stated he would offer “a proposal in order to study which are the decisions that could be taken for the compliance with the Association Council (with Israel) from the point of view of human rights, and also which measures can be taken in order to be sure that we satisfy all commitments in order not to trade with the products produced on occupied territories according with the rules of the International Court of Justice.”

What is the significance of the EU-Israel Association Agreement?

Earlier this year, Borrell formally asked the Israeli foreign minister to an ad hoc EU-Israel Association Council session to examine Israel’s compliance with its human rights commitments under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The EU-Israel Association Agreement, which entered into force in 2000, delivers a legal and institutional framework for political dialogue and economic collaboration between the EU and Israel. Article 2 of the agreement states it is based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, described as an “essential element” of the pact.

A few days ago, Josep Borrell also urged to formally discontinue political dialogue with Israel over its unconcern for international law in the Gaza Strip, which requires approval from all 27 EU countries.


Comments

2 responses to “EU’s Josep Borrell Urges Increased Pressure on Israel and Hamas”

  1. Spoiler Betty Avatar
    Spoiler Betty

    Ah, the EU’s Josep Borrell, the master of diplomatic nudges, is here to sprinkle some fairy dust of pressure on Israel and Hamas. One must admire his confidence—because nothing says “let’s solve a decades-old conflict” quite like a sternly worded letter from Brussels. If only he could bottle that pressure and sell it as a fine Chianti, we’d all be toasting to peace in no time!

  2. NightDream Avatar

    Ah, Josep Borrell, the EU’s very own peacemaker, has decided to sprinkle some extra pressure on Israel and Hamas—because clearly, turning up the heat always works wonders in a decades-long conflict. It’s like trying to cook pasta by just yelling at it, isn’t it? With diplomacy at its finest, one can only wonder if the next EU summit will be a culinary lesson in how to boil the ocean.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

Machthaber: Pedro Sánchez

Machthaber: Pedro Sánchez

Wer regiert die Welt – und was bewegt sie? Unser regelmäßiges Spezial untersucht die mächtigsten und umstrittensten Politiker:innen unserer Zeit. Wir beleuchten ihre Denkweisen, Entscheidungen und deren Auswirkungen auf uns. Ein:e Politiker:in, ein Blick hinter die Kulissen der Macht.
Den Berlin Playbook Podcast gibt es jeden Morgen ab 5 Uhr. Gordon Repinski und das POLITICO-Team bieten kompaktes,

Read More

Bordeaux Weather Crisis Escalates Amid France and Spain Wildfires

Bordeaux Weather Crisis Escalates Amid France and Spain Wildfires

Bordeaux, France, July 26 Eurotoday Newspaper — Bordeaux weather emergency conditions have intensified as wildfires continue to threaten areas near the city, prompting a large-scale response from French emergency services. At the same time, Spain is battling several major blazes as extreme heat, dry vegetation and gusty winds increase wildfire risks across southern Europe.
Main Development
Firef

Read More

Restaurant Owner Sentenced to One Year for Serving Ant-Infested Dessert

Restaurant Owner Sentenced to One Year for Serving Ant-Infested Dessert

Korean prosecutors are seeking a one-year jail term for a luxury restaurant owner in Seoul for serving a dessert containing unapproved insects, as reported by The Guardian.
The chef, whose establishment boasts two Michelin stars, is charged with breaching the Food Safety Act.
$80,000 dessert
An investigation found that the restaurant served fruit sorbet with dried black ants for four years. Impor

Read More

France Orders Expulsion of Russian TV Star Xenia Fedorova

France Orders Expulsion of Russian TV Star Xenia Fedorova

The French Ministry of the Interior confirmed to POLITICO that an order for Xenia Fedorova’s deportation was issued on Tuesday.
Fedorova did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment, but according to Agence France-Presse, her lawyer plans to appeal the decision.
Previously leading RT France before its closure due to EU sanctions in 2023, Fedorova now appears frequently on CN

Read More

Brazil to Urge US on Export Tariffs, Durigan Anticipates Progress Post-Election

Brazil to Urge US on Export Tariffs, Durigan Anticipates Progress Post-Election

Brasília, July 27 Brussels Morning Newspaper — Brazil export tariffs remain at the center of trade discussions after Finance Minister Dario Durigan said the government will continue pressing the United States to reconsider tariffs on Brazilian goods. He said Brazil expects negotiations to move forward after the country’s presidential election, while maintaining a diplomatic approach to protect b

Read More

Malta’s Climate Plan Prioritizes Fairness

Malta’s Climate Plan Prioritizes Fairness

The European Commission has endorsed Malta’s €60.6 million Social Climate Plan to support those most affected by rising heating, cooling, and transport costs during the clean-energy transition. This approval transforms a technical financial instrument into a practical social issue for Malta, questioning the pairing of carbon pricing with support for households, seniors, people with mobility

Read More

Ed Miliband Takes Charge of Brexit Reset with UK Foreign Office Overhaul

Ed Miliband Takes Charge of Brexit Reset with UK Foreign Office Overhaul

At the IPPR, Miliband commented on his grandfather, a Russian emigrant to Poland, marveling over the prospect of having not one but two grandsons serve as British foreign secretary. David, who held the position from 2007-2010, had discussions with Andy Burnham regarding a potential return from New York, where he has been president of the International Rescue Committee since 2013, but this time Ed

Read More

Merz Vows Action After Berlin CSD Attack Highlights Security Lapses

Merz Vows Action After Berlin CSD Attack Highlights Security Lapses

Berlin, July 27 Eurotoday Newspaper — Berlin CSD attack investigations continue after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised a firm government response following the deadly assault during Berlin’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) Pride celebrations. The attack left one woman dead and dozens injured, prompting nationwide concern over public safety and renewed scrutiny of the suspect’s previous ext

Read More

Religion is Not an Escape from Life

Religion is Not an Escape from Life

By Fr. Vasily Termos
When religion offers all the answers, it can eliminate the anxiety associated with questioning, seeking meaning, and making personal choices about life’s essentials. Instead of empowering individuals to find strength and courage to face life’s challenges maturely, religion can sometimes present an image of God that alleviates anxiety, allowing people to avoid the

Read More

Merz’s Party Selects New Parliamentary Group Leader

Merz’s Party Selects New Parliamentary Group Leader

Frei takes over from Jens Spahn, who resigned due to a controversy involving his use of a surrogate to have a child. The resignation led Merz to initiate a broader cabinet reshuffle.
Earlier on Wednesday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier appointed three new CDU ministers proposed by the chancellor.
Former CDU Secretary-General Carsten Linnemann became health minister, replacing Nina Warken

Read More