EU Urges International Community to Stop Arms Supply to Israel
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, has called on the international community, with a particular emphasis on the U.S., to cease providing arms to Israel in response to the increasing number of civilian casualties in Gaza. During a meeting of EU ministers on Monday, Borrell expressed concern about the death toll and urged reconsideration of arms provision as a potential solution.
Borrell’s Call for Action: Questioning the Toll and Arms Supply
“Everybody goes to Tel Aviv begging, please protect civilians, don’t kill so many. How many is too many?” Borrell questioned during the meeting. He highlighted the need for the international community to think about the provision of arms if worried about the escalating death toll. Borrell referenced a Dutch court ruling ordering the Netherlands government to halt shipments of components to Israel for F-35 fighter jets as an example.
U.S. President Biden’s Remark and Growing Death Toll
Borrell’s remarks come in the wake of U.S. President Joe Biden’s statement last week, describing Israel’s response to Hamas in Gaza as “over the top.” The death toll from Israel’s retaliatory bombings, initiated after the October 7 attacks by Hamas, has now surpassed 28,000 people, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
Israel’s Plans and International Reactions
Israel’s plans for a ground assault in Rafah, southern Gaza, have drawn criticism from Western leaders. Despite international disapproval, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears undeterred. Borrell pointed out that the question of evacuating Palestinians in the face of an imminent ground assault remains unanswered.
EU Support for UNRWA Amid Funding Challenges
EU ministers voiced support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), emphasizing the need to prevent funding gaps. The agency has faced allegations from Israel, leading to a suspension of funding by several EU countries and international donors. Borrell noted that the Israeli government’s desire to dissolve UNRWA can only be addressed through the creation of two states.
UNRWA’s Chief Calls for Continued Operation Amid Challenges
Philippe Lazzarini, the chief of UNRWA, expressed concern about the agency’s potential collapse, describing it as “short-sighted.” He emphasized the agency’s role in ensuring humanitarian aid in Gaza, especially following the recent ruling from the International Court of Justice. Lazzarini deplored the looting of trucks filled with aid for Palestinians at the border and urged continued operation in the challenging environment.
EU Commission’s Pending Decision on UNRWA Funding
The European Commission is yet to decide on providing an €82 million payment to UNRWA by the end of the month, with two investigations currently underway.
COMMENTS