Josep Borrell, the European Union’s top foreign policy official, has added his voice to the chorus of appeals for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas movement. Borrell’s call comes as international efforts intensify to allow more aid into the Gaza Strip.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Borrell emphasized the immediate need for humanitarian support to reach Gaza. He stated, “Right now, the most crucial thing is the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.”
The ministers are set to discuss a call from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for a ceasefire to permit the entry of much-needed aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Borrell asserted, “I cannot preempt the meeting’s outcome, but this is something that the Secretary-General of the United Nations has strongly requested.”
Furthermore, Borrell expressed his personal belief that a humanitarian pause is necessary to allow for the distribution of humanitarian aid, particularly the essential supplies required to restore access to water and electricity, according to Reuters. He stated, “Personally, I see a humanitarian ceasefire as essential to enable the distribution of humanitarian assistance.”
In Ramallah, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also called for immediate action to halt the escalation and displacement in Gaza. He stated, “Israel’s preparations for a ground invasion of Gaza mean further crimes against the Palestinian people,” emphasizing that “the priority is to stop the war, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and halt displacement.”
Earlier on Monday, Israeli warplanes targeted various locations in Gaza, including areas where Palestinian civilians had been instructed to seek shelter, following the clearance for another small aid shipment to enter the besieged enclave.
