Against the backdrop of appalling humanitarian conditions, most EU states have called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Israel is particularly called upon to protect the civilians crowded together in the border town of Rafah.
Germany and 25 other EU states are calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This should lead to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of the hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Monday evening after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
The decision of the International Court of Justice of January 26th is also mentioned as the background to the demand. It gave Israel a binding mandate under international law to do everything possible to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip. “We reiterate the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the statement said.
Hungary abstains from the demand
The foreign ministers of the 26 EU member states also call on Israel not to take military action in Rafah, in the far south of the Gaza Strip, which would worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and prevent the urgently needed provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance. More than a million civilians currently live in the city – most of them refugees from other parts of the Gaza Strip.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) took part in the EU meeting in Brussels on behalf of Germany. According to information from the DPA news agency, the only country that did not want to support the joint appeal was Hungary. The country is considered particularly close to Israel in the EU.
Hamas attack
The Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip was triggered by a massacre that terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups carried out in Israel on October 7th. On the Israeli side, more than 1,200 people were killed. Israel responded with massive air strikes and, from the end of October, also with a ground offensive. According to the Hamas-affiliated health authority, more than 29,000 people died in the Gaza Strip as a result of the military operation. More than 69,000 others were injured.