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

US Rescues Missing Jet Crew Member from Iran, Says Trump

US Rescues Missing Jet Crew Member from Iran, Says Trump

Danish prime minister praised Denmark and Greenland’s health care system after Trump sent a vessel to address the needs of many sick, uncared-for individuals.

Read More

Die Wiederauferstehung des Landes – mit Ulf Poschardt

Die Wiederauferstehung des Landes – mit Ulf Poschardt

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

Read More

Five Countries Urge Brussels to Tax Energy Companies Profiting from Iran Crisis

Five Countries Urge Brussels to Tax Energy Companies Profiting from Iran Crisis

In their letter, the ministers urged Brussels to follow the precedent set after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. At that time, a temporary “solidarity contribution” was approved, targeting energy firms to “alleviate the direct economic impact of soaring energy prices on public budgets, consumers, and businesses.”
The 2022 regulation enforced a minimum 33 percent tax

Read More

Steps to Take When Your Bank Account Is Frozen in Europe

Steps to Take When Your Bank Account Is Frozen in Europe

Imagine trying to make a payment for groceries or rent, only to have your card declined. You check your banking app and discover your account is frozen. No prior warning, no clear reason. Suddenly, your access to funds is in jeopardy, disrupting everyday life.
In Europe, banks have the legal authority to freeze accounts under certain conditions, usually related to anti-money laundering investiga

Read More

Zelenskyy: Egypt rejects Ukrainian wheat exported by Russia

Zelenskyy: Egypt rejects Ukrainian wheat exported by Russia

Egypt will reject Russian grain shipments from occupied Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Friday.
“I spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who informed me that Egypt will no longer accept grain exported by Russia from our temporarily occupied territories,” Zelenskyy shared on Telegram, noting that Cairo expressed interest in increasing Ukrainian grain imports

Read More

Italy’s Meloni Visits Middle East to Secure Oil and Gas Access

Italy’s Meloni Visits Middle East to Secure Oil and Gas Access

Meloni, in an interview with TG1, stated that her visit to the Gulf was “a gesture of solidarity” with allies in the region. However, she acknowledged the trip’s practical aim of securing Rome’s access to regional oil.
The Strait of Hormuz’s closure, crucial for about 20 percent of the global oil and natural gas flow, is affecting Italy significantly. About 15 percent

Read More

Trump Considers Further Cabinet Changes Following Bondi’s Departure

Trump Considers Further Cabinet Changes Following Bondi’s Departure

No final decisions have been made regarding Chavez-DeRemer and Lutnick, and Trump has previously considered firing individuals before retracting.
If Trump proceeds with more Cabinet changes, it may signal a significant reset attempt for an administration facing a challenging political environment.
The potential reshuffling focuses on Cabinet members who Trump believes have “underperformed or

Read More

Hungary’s Maverick Two-Tailed Dog Party Challenges Orbán with Satire

Hungary’s Maverick Two-Tailed Dog Party Challenges Orbán with Satire

I’m sorry, but there is no article content provided to rewrite.

Read More

10 Fascinating Facts About Ladybugs

10 Fascinating Facts About Ladybugs

There are approximately 5,000 species of ladybugs worldwide, with variations primarily in colors and spots, including 2-spotted, 10-spotted, 14-spotted, and even 24-spotted. The most well-known are shiny red with seven black spots.
The number, shape, and arrangement of their spots are determined by the species and formed as the insect emerges from its pupa. Some are yellow with black spots, while

Read More

Schinas to Succeed Dismissed Greek Farm Minister

Schinas to Succeed Dismissed Greek Farm Minister

A Cypriot official mentioned that flights to Cyprus and other regional countries faced challenges or cancellations due to developments in the area, necessitating flexibility.

Read More