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.
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”
-
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!
-
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.
Last News
EU Faces Criticism for Hosting Taliban Officials in Brussels for Afghan Deportation Discussions
The European Commission is facing growing criticism after confirming plans to invite Taliban representatives to Brussels for sensitive talks on the deportation and return of Afghanistan migrants from Europe. The move, coordinated with Sweden, has reignited debate over the EU’s engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers despite ongoing international condemnation of the Taliban’s human rights a
European Ombudsman Complaints Guide
The European Ombudsman is not a court, and that di
Draghi: Europe is ‘truly alone together’ in the age of Trump
Draghi, a former Italian prime minister, re-emerged in the EU’s political arena after unveiling a plan in 2024 to reverse th
Airline CEO Expresses Optimism Amid Aviation Concerns Due to Middle East Conflict
The head of a major airline has called for a “clear resolution” to hostilities in the Middle East.
The call from Emirates comes amid continuing economic and political uncertainty caused by the bitter conflict between the U.S and Iran.
The war has impacted badly on global air travel with fears of shortages of aviation fuel in the coming weeks.
But Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and
Mobile Exhibit on Human Rights in Paris Introduces Civic Education to Busy Public Spaces
PARIS, France — 9 May 2026 — A mobile human rights exhibit in central Paris on 9 May engaged the public in learning about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its history.
Set in a prominent tent, the exhibit attracted passers-by. About 15
The Movement to Remove Britain’s Keir Starmer is Finally Gaining Momentum
The prime minister might hold his position for a month or two. If he doesn’t establish a timeline for departure, he may face challenges from two opponents: Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, w
UK Resignation Sparks Burnham Leadership Speculation in London 2026
The resignation arrives during a fragile political period in Britain wher
1971 Bangladesh Genocide Legally Defined: Urgent UN Recognition Needed
Kann die EU noch Industrie? Mit VDMA-Präsident Bertram Kawlath
Brussels Competitors Aim to Reign as City’s Top Dogs
It is one of the biggest rivalries in Belgian football and Brussels’ two football clubs are all set to again lock horns in, arguably, the country’s biggest game of the season.
RSC Anderlecht and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise will contest the Croky Cup Final on Thursday (14 May) at Stade Roi Baudouin, the national stadium.
The two clubs have a rich history although for one, Union, its success on th
Leave a Reply