According to Russia Today, European Union foreign ministers have threatened to impose sanctions on Israel if it continues to violate international and humanitarian law. Ahead of a meeting with the EU’s 27 foreign ministers in Brussels, Slovenia’s Foreign Minister, Tanja Fajon, stated, “If Israeli violations continue, we as the European Union must take decisive unified action, including the imposition of sanctions.”
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, in a joint press conference with his Irish and Norwegian counterparts, announced he would request other EU member states to officially support the International Court of Justice and take steps to ensure Israel respects its decisions. He declared, “If Israel continues to act contrary to the court’s opinion, we will attempt to enforce that decision appropriately.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized that the ruling from the International Court of Justice, which urges Israel to cease its military offensive in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, is “binding and must of course be respected.” She mentioned that Berlin supports the idea of reactivating the European Union’s border assistance mission in Rafah, adding, “No Israeli hostages will be freed if more people have to take refuge in tents.” She affirmed, “International humanitarian law applies to everyone, including Israel’s practices in war.”
Later today, EU foreign ministers will meet to discuss the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, as well as the upcoming elections in Venezuela and Georgia’s new “foreign agents law.” Informal talks are also scheduled with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, and Qatar, along with the Secretary-General of the Arab League.
Like much of the international community, the EU supports a two-state solution to ensure lasting peace in a region plagued by conflict for over seventy years. To achieve this, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, noted on Sunday while welcoming Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, that only a “strong” Palestinian Authority can ensure peace.
Earlier, the International Court of Justice issued orders demanding that Israel “immediately” cease military operations in Rafah and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, with a report due in one month on compliance with these orders.
