DUBAI: The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, on Tuesday called for more international pressure on both Israel and Hamas to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, stressing that the situation has become urgent.
Borrell gave these remarks during his visit to the United Arab Emirates. He said Israeli hostages and the people of Gaza could not wait any longer, as the clock ticks down to one year since the October 7 attacks.
“The only thing I can say is that all actors involved have to continue putting pressure on both parties to reach this agreement,” Borrell stated. He emphasized the dire need for a resolution, noting that every day without a ceasefire results in more casualties among Palestinian civilians.
Borrell’s comments come as diplomatic efforts continue to falter despite numerous rounds of talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The recent diplomatic activities have so far failed to achieve a sustainable halt to the hostilities, with the exception of a brief one-week truce that took place in late November.
The EU diplomat also expressed concern over the lack of a long-term political strategy for Gaza. “If there is not a political project, the war is just a repetition one after another, always the same story,” Borrell said.
During his visit, Borrell met with UAE officials and discussed the role the Emirates has played in the diplomatic and humanitarian efforts related to the crisis. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the UAE, stating, “The Emirates are doing a lot from a diplomatic point of view and humanitarian point of view. And I am sure that for any solution, the day after, they can continue playing an important role.”
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has said that mediation efforts are ongoing, with no new breakthroughs reported. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to make his tenth visit to the region this week as part of ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire.
The prolonged conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences, with over 41,252 Palestinians, mostly women and children, reported killed in Gaza due to the Israeli bombardments, according to the territory’s health ministry.
