The High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the European Union, Josep Borrell, has called for an end to the "impunity" with which Israel acts in the Middle East, expressing his concern for the current situation and the escalation of hostilities in the region.
During the ninth Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean, Borrell highlighted the need for the international community to move from lamenting to action to stop the ongoing conflict. During the press conference after the event, he pointed out that it is crucial to address the lack of proportionality in Israel's responses and the harm caused to collateral victims of the bombings.
The EU's foreign policy representative denounced the Israeli military escalation, which, in his opinion, has exceeded critical limits and urged to condemn the forced displacement of the civilian population, as well as the attacks against UN troops in Lebanon. In this regard, Borrell emphasized the importance of identifying those responsible for these attacks and avoiding the reconstruction of the Middle East through violence.
Regarding the recent Israeli attack on Iran, Borrell called for restraint from all parties to avoid a regional escalation, highlighting the urgency of stopping the cycle of action-reaction that only perpetuates the conflict and fuels hatred in the region. In his final intervention at the Union for the Mediterranean forum, Borrell expressed his sadness at not having been able to improve the situation and prevent the loss of innocent lives amid the current crisis.
Since the beginning of the bombings in Gaza on October 7, 2023, more than 43,000 people have lost their lives, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, and 69% of the victims are women and children, according to data from the local government. Borrell urged seeking diplomatic solutions and avoiding further escalation of violence that would only perpetuate suffering in the region.
