The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza is prompting more European Union countries to support the idea of a humanitarian cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas. Ireland’s prime minister Leo Varadkar said Thursday the EU is losing its credibility because of a lack of a strong position in the war, urging his counterparts to call for such a halt in the fighting, rather than a limited pause to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid. Speaking at the start of a EU summit in Brussels focusing more on Ukraine, Varadkar said the EU should condemn “terrorism perpetrated by Hamas,” but also call for justice for the Palestinian people. Before the summit, Varadkar and the prime ministers of Spain, Belgium, and Malta wrote to European Council President Charles Michel asking him to host a “serious debate” about the Israel-Hamas war and the “humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.”
Quick Read
- EU’s Call for Humanitarian Cease-Fire: More EU countries are supporting a humanitarian cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens.
- Ireland’s Prime Minister’s Statement: Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar criticized the EU’s lack of a strong position in the conflict, urging for a cease-fire rather than just a pause for humanitarian aid delivery.
- EU Summit in Brussels: The EU summit, primarily focused on Ukraine, included discussions on the Israel-Hamas war and the situation in Gaza.
- Varadkar’s Call for Condemnation and Justice: Varadkar proposed that the EU should condemn Hamas’ terrorism and also call for justice for the Palestinian people.
- EU’s Divided Approach: The EU has historically been divided in its approach to Israel and the Palestinians, with varying degrees of support for each side.
- Previous EU Leaders’ Meeting: In October, EU leaders advocated for unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, including humanitarian corridors.
- Call for Stronger EU Stance: Varadkar emphasized the need for a stronger EU position to maintain global credibility, especially in the global South.
- Joint Letter by EU Leaders: Leaders from Ireland, Spain, Belgium, and Malta wrote to European Council President Charles Michel, seeking a serious debate on the conflict and calling for a lasting cease-fire.
- High Palestinian Casualty Count: According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 18,400 Palestinians have been killed, though the figures do not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths.
- Israel’s Ground Offensive: Israel launched a ground offensive in Gaza following a raid by Hamas in southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties.
- UN General Assembly Resolution: Seventeen out of 27 EU countries backed a UN resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.
- Varadkar on Peace Process: Varadkar sees a cease-fire as a step towards a new peace process and Palestinian statehood, essential for justice and security in the region.
- Support from Spanish Leader: Spanish Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez supported Varadkar’s stance, emphasizing the need for Europe to speak out clearly and unitedly.
- Michel’s Invitation Letter: In his letter to EU leaders, Michel balanced support for Israel with the defense of Palestinians’ rights, not explicitly mentioning a cease-fire.
- EU’s Role and Influence: The EU, as a major aid supplier to the Palestinians and Israel’s largest trade partner, has limited political leverage, especially compared to the U.S. influence over Israel.
- Two-State Solution Advocacy: The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, reiterated the need for a two-state solution, which is currently opposed by the Israeli government.
The Associated Press has the story:
EU leaders increasingly back a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza
Newslooks- BRUSSELS (AP)
The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza is prompting more European Union countries to support the idea of a humanitarian cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
Ireland’s prime minister Leo Varadkar said Thursday the EU is losing its credibility because of a lack of a strong position in the war, urging his counterparts to call for such a halt in the fighting, rather than a limited pause to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Speaking at the start of a EU summit in Brussels focusing more on Ukraine, Varadkar said the EU should condemn “terrorism perpetrated by Hamas,” but also call for justice for the Palestinian people.
The 27 EU countries have long been divided in their approach to Israel and the Palestinians. At their previous meeting in October, EU leaders called “for continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures, including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs.”
Varadkar said he hopes they will achieve “stronger wording” this time.
“I think the European Union has lost credibility because of our inability to take a stronger and more united position on Israel and Palestine,” “We’ve lost credibility at the global South, which actually is most of the world, because what is perceived to be double standards. And there’s some truth in that, quite frankly.”
Varadkar said.
Before the summit, Varadkar and the prime ministers of Spain, Belgium, and Malta wrote to European Council President Charles Michel asking him to host a “serious debate” about the Israel-Hamas war and the “humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.”
“We must call urgently for all the parties to declare a lasting humanitarian cease-fire that can lead to an end of hostilities.”
Prime ministers of Ireland, Spain, Belgium, and Malta wrote.
Israel has drawn international outrage and rare criticism from the United States over the killing of civilians. More than 18,400 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Israel says 113 of its soldiers have died in the Gaza ground offensive it launched after Hamas raided southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking about 240 hostages.
On Tuesday, 17 out of 27 EU countries backed a resolution at the UN General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. In October, only eight EU member states voted in favor of an earlier resolution which advocated for a truce instead of a cease-fire.
Varadkar insisted that a cease-fire could lead “to a new peace process and Palestinian statehood, which is the only way to secure justice and security for everyone living in the region.”
Spanish Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, backed his Irish colleague.
“Europe has to speak out … in a clear, strong, firm and unified voice.”
Spanish Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez said.
In his invitation letter to EU leaders, Michel did not mention a cease-fire, seeking to balance support for Israel and the defense of Palestinians’ rights.
“We must call for all hostages to be released and vigorously address the alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza,” Michel said. “We have to be strong in supporting Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself against Hamas, as well as in unequivocally defending international law and international humanitarian law. Our broader reflection will include working towards security and stability in the region and prospects for lasting peace based on the two-state solution.”
The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, repeated the need for the moribund two-state solution, which would create an independent Palestinian state, is currently opposed by the Israel government.
“The Arab countries have already said that they will not participate in rebuilding Gaza unless there is a strong commitment from the international community to build a two-state solution,” “We have to focus on a political solution to the problem once and for all.”
Borrell said.
Despite its limited political leverage, the 27-nation bloc is the world’s top aid supplier to the Palestinians. The EU has little influence over Israel — the United States is its staunchest ally – but remains the country’s biggest trade partner.
