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

Postal Conflict: The Election Brawl Begins

Postal Conflict: The Election Brawl Begins

With just three weeks to polling day, postal voting has commenced in local and devolved elections across the UK. Concerns are being raised about whether the process will remain clean and how deeply fake media could impact the campaign.
In Scotland, a major dispute has emerged between Labour and Reform regarding an alleged secret collaboration to oust the SNP, with both parties accusing each other

Read More

Extensive Grazing: Crucial for One-Third of Europe’s Protected Habitats | Press Releases

Extensive Grazing: Crucial for One-Third of Europe’s Protected Habitats | Press Releases

One-third of EU-protected habitats rely on low-intensity grazing, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing. To maintain these habitats protected under the EU Habitats Directive, 10-15% of EU cattle, sheep, and goats are necessary. Economic pressures and technological advancements have shifted farming to intensive methods, often leading to land abandonment in grazing-dependent are

Read More

Rumen Radev, Fighter Pilot, Aims to Resolve Bulgaria’s Political Deadlock

Rumen Radev, Fighter Pilot, Aims to Resolve Bulgaria’s Political Deadlock

Diverse Supporters
Amidst long-standing rumors of his plans to pursue the prime minister role, Rumen Radev announced his Progressive Bulgaria initiative in March. Though Radev does not formally lead Progressive Bulgaria, he is undeniably its central figure. The movement brings together a diverse group of politicians aligned with him, military personnel, newcomers, and former sports figures, with o

Read More

‘Sudan is an Atrocities Laboratory,’ UN Aid Chief Tells Berlin Conference

‘Sudan is an Atrocities Laboratory,’ UN Aid Chief Tells Berlin Conference

Countries have reportedly pledged over $1 billion at the third International Conference for Sudan, co-hosted by Germany, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), France, and the United Kingdom.
Senior UN officials delivered remarks, including humanitarian affairs chief Tom Fletcher, who described Sudan as an “atrocities laboratory,” citing sieges of cities like El Fasher in Darfur, deni

Read More

Badenoch: Orbán’s Defeat Inspires Hope for Center-Right

Badenoch: Orbán’s Defeat Inspires Hope for Center-Right

“Just look at Hungary, observe what happened to Orbán, to Fidesz. If you can’t achieve growth, regardless of your ideology, you will eventually lose,” she mentioned.
Badenoch’s Conservative Party experienced its worst-ever performance in the 2024 U.K. general election after 14 years in control, now facing difficulties as Nigel Farage’s populist right-wing Reform UK ga

Read More

IMF Warns: War May Intensify Impending Government Debt Crisis

IMF Warns: War May Intensify Impending Government Debt Crisis

The article indicates that global government debt increased to nearly 94% of GDP last year and is projected to exceed 100% by 2029, primarily because of significant deficits in countries like the U.S., China, and Japan.
Specifically, the U.S. is experiencing a government deficit of 7-8% of GDP despite operating near full capacity and lacks a plan for debt consolidation. Current fiscal policy, infl

Read More

Le dispositif de vérification de l’âge de l’UE est prêt, affirme Ursula von der Leyen

Le dispositif de vérification de l’âge de l’UE est prêt, affirme Ursula von der Leyen

L’application de vérification de l’âge est considérée comme un élément crucial des efforts menés par l’UE pour protéger les enfants des dangers en ligne et des risques pour la santé mentale.

Read More

Greece Implements New Requirements for Car First Aid Kits

Greece Implements New Requirements for Car First Aid Kits

From June 18, fines of 30 euros will be imposed.
Greece is updating the requirements for first aid kits in private vehicles. Tourists are also required to have an isothermal rescue blanket of specific dimensions, various gauze types, one set of sterile gloves, a bandage, hydrogen peroxide, and other essential materials. The new regulation mandates 16 items in car first aid kits.
The Greek Ministr

Read More

The Ascent of Moderate Fathers

The Ascent of Moderate Fathers

European ambassadors are convening to prepare for a leaders’ summit in Cyprus next week, where the agenda will likely be dominated by geopolitical crises again.
Ian Wishart and guest co-host Ryan Heath discuss how topics like the budget, enlargement, and competitiveness are sidelined as the meeting focuses on the impact of the Iran conflict. They also question if another leader will assume Viktor

Read More

Monument Honoring Hero Rat Unveiled

Monument Honoring Hero Rat Unveiled

A monument honoring a rat sapper named Magawa, who discovered over 100 mines, has been unveiled in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap. The stone statue, carved from local rock, was revealed on the International Day for Mine Action. Magawa, who began his work in 2016, has cleared over 141,000 square meters of land during his five-year career, saving many lives in the process. In Cambodia, more than a

Read More