War in the Middle East
EU dispute over possible ceasefire for Gaza could be resolved
Israeli soldiers gather near the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel. photo
© Ohad Zwigenberg/AP/dpa
Ceasefire or cease fires? A single letter could help settle an ugly dispute over the EU’s Middle East policy. Foreign Minister Baerbock is open-minded in New York.
The use of the word “pauses” in the plural could therefore make it clear that the EU is not calling on Israel to stop the fight against the terrorist organization Hamas with immediate effect. Countries like Germany and Austria definitely want to avoid this impression.
Baerbock for “humanitarian windows”
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made it clear on Tuesday on the sidelines of a meeting of the United Nations Security Council in New York that Germany is committed to a corresponding compromise. “Humanitarian windows” are needed in the war between Israel and the Islamist Hamas, she said. In the past few days it has become clear “that humanitarian breaks are extremely important for humanitarian care.” European Minister of State for Germany Anna Lührmann (Greens) took part in the EU consultations on Tuesday in Luxembourg.
There was a dispute over the issue at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday. Baerbock made it clear that Germany is not in favor of the EU joining UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. “There will only be peace and security for Israel and the Palestinians if terrorism is fought,” explained the Green politician, referring to the Islamist Hamas’ actions against Israel. You can see that Hamas continues to massively attack Israel with rockets.
Countries such as Spain and Ireland, however, stood behind Guterres and pushed for the EU to join his call. For example, Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin said the suffering of innocent civilians had reached a level that required an immediate cessation of fighting. An agreement in the dispute is now expected to take place on Thursday at the EU summit at the level of heads of state and government.