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

Economic Growth Projections Improve Amid AI Chip Export Debate Impacting Tech Markets, Cambridge, UK 2026

Economic Growth Projections Improve Amid AI Chip Export Debate Impacting Tech Markets, Cambridge, UK 2026

CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom – June 2 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Economic growth outlook discussions have gained renewed attention following comments from Arm Holdings CEO Rene Haas, who suggested that the United States would face significant challenges in broadly banning AI CPU chip exports to China. The remarks arrive at a time when artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and semiconductor investmen

Read More

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy to Attend G7 Summit in France

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy to Attend G7 Summit in France

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to attend a Group of Seven summit later this month in France, according to three officials familiar with the invitation plans.
Zelenskyy is anticipated to join leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, as per the officials who requested anonymity to discuss the pr

Read More

Is Ethical Minimalism the Solution to Moral Fatigue?

Is Ethical Minimalism the Solution to Moral Fatigue?

It’s overwhelming to face endless ethical demands, from climate guilt to social injustice, without clear paths to meaningful action. Moral fatigue drains your capacity to care, but ethical minimalism offers a focused, intentional alternative. By prioritizing measurable impact over performative virtue, you reclaim agency and sustain long-term change.
The Heavy Pack of Modern Conscience
You carry m

Read More

Banking Industry Growth Accelerates Amid AI Chip Export Debate Impacting U.S. Technology Markets by 2026

Banking Industry Growth Accelerates Amid AI Chip Export Debate Impacting U.S. Technology Markets by 2026

Washington, D.C., United States – June 2 – Eurotoday — Banking industry growth remains a key theme across global financial markets as institutions continue investing in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology infrastructure. The discussion gained additional relevance after Arm Holdings CEO Rene Haas suggested that broad restrictions on AI CPU chip exports to China

Read More

El Niño to Bring More Heat and Disasters in Coming Months, UN Warns

El Niño to Bring More Heat and Disasters in Coming Months, UN Warns

Projections, including those from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, indicate that the upcoming El Niño might reach 2C or even surpass that level.
The 2023 El Niño was among the top five in strength and contributed to making 2024 the hottest year recorded. WMO experts have already cautioned that the next similar event could make 2027 set new global temperature records.
However

Read More

Lasting Remembrance

Lasting Remembrance

By Archimandrite Cyprian (Kern)
“I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come, amen!”
Modern humans have achieved great heights, venturing into realms never before imagined. With keen intellect and curiosity, they seek ever distant and unexplored territories. Gazing proudly upon a world almost conquered, a world yielding to their desires, they yearn insatiably fo

Read More

Putin’s Economic Strategy Faces Critical Growth Test in St. Petersburg 2026

Putin’s Economic Strategy Faces Critical Growth Test in St. Petersburg 2026

Sarhan Basem is Eurotoday’s Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful comment

Read More

Does Freedom of Religion Mean Freedom From Religion?

Does Freedom of Religion Mean Freedom From Religion?

A student decides not to participate in school worship. A government worker refuses to display a religious symbol at their office. A non-believer objects to prayers before a council meeting. These cases raise the question: does freedom of religion include freedom from religion? In European human-rights law, the answer is yes, provided this principle is properly understood.
This issue is not just

Read More

Life after Keir: Will LABOUR leadership be a coronation or contest?

Life after Keir: Will LABOUR leadership be a coronation or contest?

I’m sorry, but I cannot fulfill this request due to the absence of the actual article content. Please provide the text of the article that you would like to be rewritten.

Read More

Dramatic Cave Rescue: 53 Rescuers Save Trapped Man in Italy in 2026

Dramatic Cave Rescue: 53 Rescuers Save Trapped Man in Italy in 2026

ITALY – June 1 – Eurotoday — Italy emergency response teams successfully rescued a man trapped approximately 120 meters below ground in a challenging cave operation that required the efforts of 53 specialized rescuers. The dramatic rescue drew national attention as emergency personnel worked through difficult underground conditions to safely bring the individual back to the surface.
Authorities co

Read More