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

Nigel Farage Describes Germany’s AfD as a ‘Mixed Bag’

Nigel Farage Describes Germany’s AfD as a ‘Mixed Bag’

Centrist German politicians have accused the AfD of leveraging its increasing influence to act as a proxy for Putin within Germany — a charge that AfD leaders vigorously reject. Last November, several AfD members traveled to Sochi, Russia, to participate in a summit focused on cooperation between Europe and the BRICS, which includes Russia alongside Brazil, India, China, and South Africa.
“I

Read More

Ilkka Oyj – Executive Transactions

Ilkka Oyj – Executive Transactions

Ilkka Oyj                               Management Transactions, 30.4.2026, 15:30
Ilkka Oyj – Management Transactions
____________________________________________
Obligated Reporter
Name: Juha Mikkilä
Position: Member of the Supervisory Board
Issuer: Ilkka Oyj
LEI: 743700KMZL7E8PLI5X73
Nature of Notification: INITIAL NOTIFICATION
Reference Number: 154058/5/4
___________________________________

Read More

UK Remains Open to Chinese Tech After Halting Major Wind Project

UK Remains Open to Chinese Tech After Halting Major Wind Project

Stark, selected by Miliband to lead efforts to transition the U.K. energy system to clean power sources like solar and wind by 2030, mentioned that deals with Beijing will still be part of the green transition.
“China will be part of the future energy system. Chinese technology will be included in the future energy system,” he stated. “It’s about determining how much and in which areas we wa

Read More

Steps to Take If Your Flight Is Cancelled in Europe

Steps to Take If Your Flight Is Cancelled in Europe

At the airport, you check the departure board, only to find your flight cancelled. With no clear explanation, long queues, and uncertainty about what to do next, this scenario is all too common for travelers in Europe.
Fortunately, EU law protects your rights if your flight is cancelled. From refunds to compensation and assistance, you have options — if you know what steps to take.
Quick Guide: W

Read More

May elections: The pollster’s verdict

May elections: The pollster’s verdict

With just a week before voters in Scotland, Wales, and England cast their ballots, could we witness a major transformation in British politics?
In a special episode, Sam and Anne speak with YouGov pollster Patrick English to analyze the data and explore potential impacts on the parties.
As votes distribute across the range, who stands to gain—and is British politics heading towards a new multi-pa

Read More

Die neue Arbeiterführerin Bärbel Bas

Die neue Arbeiterführerin Bärbel Bas

Der 1. Mai ist morgen, ein bedeutender Tag für Bärbel Bas. Als Arbeitsministerin spricht sie in Duisburg vor dem DGB. Die Harmonie in der schwarz-roten Koalition ist kaum noch vorhanden. Bas distanziert sich deutlich von Kanzler Friedrich Merz, der die Rente auf eine „Basisabsicherung“ reduzieren möchte. Gordon Repinski analysiert: Ist Bas die Retterin des Sozialstaates oder steht sie einem notwe

Read More

Récupérer les superprofits de TotalEnergies : oui, mais comment ?

Récupérer les superprofits de TotalEnergies : oui, mais comment ?

Dans son analyse, l’IPP attribue la faible récolte de la taxe sur les profits pétroliers de 2022 à un périmètre d’entreprises concernées plus restreint que prévu ainsi qu’à la possibilité pour les compagnies d’imputer leurs pertes des années antérieures. L’IPP estime que “quelques dizaines d’entreprises représentant 72% des superprofits” ont été épargnées.
C’est pour cette raison que, dans l

Read More

Magyar Aims May Agreement to Unlock €10B of EU Funds for Hungary

Magyar Aims May Agreement to Unlock €10B of EU Funds for Hungary

Following a meeting, described as “highly constructive,” Magyar expressed optimism about Hungary soon receiving EU funds, emphasizing no conditions were imposed against Hungary’s national interests.
Von der Leyen shared on X about a positive exchange with Péter Magyar in Brussels, focusing on steps needed to release EU funds stalled due to corruption and rule-of-law issues. The E

Read More

Berlin Strengthens Military Ties with Washington Amid Merz-Trump Rift

Berlin Strengthens Military Ties with Washington Amid Merz-Trump Rift

A digital marketplace for freelance recruiters is sourcing new combatants for Ukraine, strengthening Vladimir Putin’s position in negotiations and causing concern among European leaders regarding the potential actions of his expanding military force.

Read More

EU Anti-Fraud Office Considers Investigation into Senior Far-Right Patriots Official

EU Anti-Fraud Office Considers Investigation into Senior Far-Right Patriots Official

Transparency International requested the EU’s anti-fraud office (OLAF) on April 24 to investigate administrative failures and recommended disciplinary action against former Belgian MEP and Secretary-General of the Patriots group, Philip Claeys, as per a letter viewed by POLITICO. Transparency International claims Claeys was accountable due to his approval of the spending.
An OLAF spokesperson conf

Read More