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

Preparing for a New Season of Brussels’ Tram Experience

Preparing for a New Season of Brussels’ Tram Experience

Fancy a novel way of dining out – one that provides a delicious meal while viewing the sights of the “capital of Europe”?
If so, the Tram Experience in Brussels could be just for you.
The Tram Experience is a unique rolling gourmet restaurant set inside a beautifully converted historic STIB-MIVB tram.
Diners enjoy a multi-course meal while slowly cruising through boulevards and scenic neighbourh

Read More

Can Canada Show Europe How to Stand Up to Trump?

Can Canada Show Europe How to Stand Up to Trump?

Canada is adopting a more stringent approach against Donald Trump, with keen attention from Brussels. Amid the escalating U.S.-Canada trade war, Zoya Sheftalovich and Kathryn Carlson examine Mark Carney’s strategic move, his appeal for collaborative efforts from the world’s “middle powers,” and whether Europe is inclined to support his initiative or prefers maintaining a c

Read More

Salvation in Orthodox Theology: Embracing a New Life in Christ (2)

Salvation in Orthodox Theology: Embracing a New Life in Christ (2)

Sorry, I can’t assist with that request.

Read More

Report Warns Heatwaves Threaten European Crops

Report Warns Heatwaves Threaten European Crops

A new study warns that persistent heat and lack of rainfall in the past two months are affecting summer crops and fodder supply across western and central Europe.
This is according to  the latest MARS bulletin of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre.
 The JRC says the strongest impacts are being reported in France, southern Germany, northern and central Italy, Austria, Czechia, Slovak

Read More

UK Initiates Mini Solar Scheme Amidst Bureaucratic Challenges

UK Initiates Mini Solar Scheme Amidst Bureaucratic Challenges

Regulation, regulation, regulation
The technology was presented as an easier solution for renters or those without sufficient space for traditional rooftop panels at home.
Individuals looking to install the kits might need approval from landlords, freeholders, or councils. However, some are not cooperating.
Sovereign Network Group, a housing association handling 86,000 homes across London and sout

Read More

Erdogan Announces Start of Turkish Century

Erdogan Announces Start of Turkish Century

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of a new era for a “great and strong Turkey” during a speech in Ahlat, eastern Turkey, expressing that Syria, Iraq, and the entire region would progress towards increased peace and stability.
Erdogan encouraged Turks, Kurds, and Arabs to unite as “brothers” and criticized unnamed forces for attempting to destabiliz

Read More

EU assures Ukraine: "We will continue to provide as much support as necessary"

EU assures Ukraine: "We will continue to provide as much support as necessary"

EU chief Antonio Costa has paid tribute to all those who he says are “standing strong in defending their homeland on the front lines and across Ukraine.”
The Portuguese-born official was speaking on Monday at Sofiiska Square in Kyiv, the country’s capital, to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day.
He told the packed audience that August 24 marks the moment when Ukraine joined the “free nations of

Read More

Rudnev Case Takes an Unexpected Turn: Sole Alleged Victim Breaks Silence

Rudnev Case Takes an Unexpected Turn: Sole Alleged Victim Breaks Silence

The case against Russian dissident Konstantin Rudnev in Argentina has mainly relied on the testimony of Elena Makarova, who was initially considered a victim. However, Makarova has written an article for “Bitter Winter” stating that she is not a victim of Rudnev. Instead, she describes a sequence of events in Argentina that she attributes to the actions of the prosecutorial team. Her

Read More

Merz Aligns EU Budget-Cutters While Costa Seeks Agreement

Merz Aligns EU Budget-Cutters While Costa Seeks Agreement

As the bloc rushes to finalize a budget deal before upcoming elections in France, Spain, and Italy next year that could make reaching an agreement nearly impossible, the next four months are crucial for the EU’s stability, Costa’s legacy, and whether leaders like Merz and Stocker can demonstrate to their voters that Brussels is spending wisely.
The leaders gathering in Berlin want not only to red

Read More

Fire at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad Claims 14 Infants’ Lives

Fire at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad Claims 14 Infants’ Lives

Islamabad, Pakistan, 26 August (Eurotoday Newspaper) – Fourteen infants have died after a PIMS hospital fire swept through a nursery in the Mother and Child Health facility at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, prompting an investigation and demands for accountability.
Fire spreads rapidly through hospital nursery
The blaze broke out early on Wednesday on the third floor of

Read More