In a stark assessment of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, spoke of a “failure” in diplomacy in recent years, stressing on Monday that there is no military solution for Gaza without a political strategy.
During the annual conference for EU ambassadors, Borrell highlighted the escalation of the conflict in recent hours, emphasizing that “we are now at a last chance to achieve a two-state solution.”
Borrell also voiced his support for the United Nations’ call for a humanitarian truce to aid civilians and pave the way for the release of hostages.
Speaking to European envoys in Brussels, Borrell asserted that the EU is “morally and politically obligated to contribute to a political solution to the conflict in the region.”
The European foreign policy head, in reference to Israeli actions concerning Gaza, pointed out that “ignoring the human cost can ultimately lead to counterproductive outcomes.” For Borrell, the human toll is “too high,” noting times of “lack of political will.”
In his message, the High Representative stressed that although it seems far-fetched, the most logical path forward is the two-state solution, and Europe should commit to it. He warned that failure to succeed would trap us in “a cycle of violence and mutual hatred for generations.”
