EU Foreign Chief: "India Faces Supply Shortages... Humanitarian Ceasefire Needed"

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, called for much more humanitarian aid to be brought into the Gaza Strip and urged the need for a "humanitarian ceasefire." This is the first time a senior EU official has mentioned a humanitarian ceasefire.

On the 23rd (local time), ahead of the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting held in Luxembourg, High Representative Borrell told reporters, "It is important that more support is delivered more quickly."

He added, "Personally, I believe a humanitarian ceasefire is necessary to allocate more humanitarian aid."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, he clarified that this was only his personal view, as there are criticisms that mentioning a ceasefire contradicts the EU's public support for Israel's right to self-defense.

High Representative Borrell also said that during the meeting, foreign ministers from the 27 countries would coordinate their positions on a humanitarian ceasefire.

In a post on the website of the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic service, it emphasized to Israel that "there are limits to the right of self-defense."

It also added, "Cutting off water and electricity supplies and pressuring civilians to leave their homes is a violation of international law."

He also mentioned the "discord controversy" within the EU regarding the Middle East situation.

He said, "During contacts over the past few weeks, Arab leaders have expressed the view that the EU is applying double standards to this situation," emphasizing the importance of the "political consistency" of the EU's 27 countries.

These remarks appear to be aimed at Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Despite the full blockade and airstrikes on the Gaza Strip causing numerous civilian casualties, she has expressed full support for Israel, which has drawn criticism within the EU.