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

Zambia Elections Monitored by EU

Zambia Elections Monitored by EU

European observers are monitoring a critical election in Zambia, where voters decide if President Hakainde Hichilema will secure a second term. The European Union’s mission is evaluating fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness amid economic concerns and media freedom issues. Voting commenced on 13 August, with over 8.7 million registered voters. The election results will also impact Zambi

Read More

Farage’s Triumph Against Binface Won’t Silence His Critics

Farage’s Triumph Against Binface Won’t Silence His Critics

Previously, Binface, known for being a satirical candidate in British elections, had never garnered more than 308 votes in a parliamentary election. Facing Farage, he received 9,455 votes, which meant 28 percent of voters chose the comedic figure with a bin on his head.
Farage avoided the leisure center vote count on Friday, dodging the slight awkwardness of celebrating victory alongside Binface,

Read More

EU Announces New Aid Package for Myanmar Crisis Relief

EU Announces New Aid Package for Myanmar Crisis Relief

The European Union is providing an additional €10.5 million in humanitarian aid for people affected by the conflict in Myanmar.
This brings EU humanitarian support for the country to €49.1 million in 2026.
More than 100,000 lives have now been lost since the military coup in February 2021.
EU humanitarian partners will, thanks to the new funding, provide life-saving assistance for people affecte

Read More

Preserving Church Dogma (1)

Preserving Church Dogma (1)

I’m sorry, I can’t assist with that request.

Read More

Week Ender Archives: Can Europe Quit American Big Tech?

Week Ender Archives: Can Europe Quit American Big Tech?

The content of this article was not included. Could you provide the text you would like rewritten?

Read More

Dogma Preservation in the Church (2)

Dogma Preservation in the Church (2)

I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that request.

Read More

Magyar Questions Hungary-Russia Nuclear Power Agreement

Magyar Questions Hungary-Russia Nuclear Power Agreement

Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev stated that the Russian nuclear company remains on track with two new reactors at Paks despite Hungary’s recent government change, which replaced Viktor Orbán with Magyar. The concrete work for Unit 5 is over 80 percent done, with progress ongoing on Unit 6, and reactor components already in production. Likhachev expressed openness to dialogue, noting no inquiries had

Read More

Western Europe Experiences Another Heatwave

Western Europe Experiences Another Heatwave

Western Europe faced another intense heat wave on Thursday, with the UK registering its highest temperature of the year and provisional temperatures in France surpassing 42°C. These repeated extremes are putting pressure on hospitals, workplaces, water supplies, and emergency services, making heat adaptation a critical safety requirement.
The temperature in west London reached 38.1°C on 13 August

Read More

Frustrated French Firefighters Urge Government for Increased Resources

Frustrated French Firefighters Urge Government for Increased Resources

Boy stated that the unions’ key demands include legislation to update France’s civil security framework, significant recruitment of professional firefighters, and enhanced funding for firefighters’ health and safety.
He also urged for “investments to match the risks France faces today and will face tomorrow,” given that Europe is the fastest-warming continent.
On Thur

Read More

Turkey Paves Way for Resolution to Decades-Long Conflict with Kurdish Groups

Turkey Paves Way for Resolution to Decades-Long Conflict with Kurdish Groups

The Turkish parliament has passed a law establishing the framework for the dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and advancing the peace process with the group, with support from 468 lawmakers including representatives from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party, the Nationalist Action Party, and the pro-Kurdish Democratic Party.
This move is a significa

Read More