EU High Representative Josep Borrell to Visit Middle East to Address Humanitarian Crisis and Advocate for Two-State Solution amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

 In the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has expressed his intention to visit several Middle Eastern countries to discuss humanitarian access and assistance in the war-torn region. Borrell emphasizes that the ongoing situation in Gaza necessitates a two-state solution and can only be achieved through dialogue. Borrell revealed, "I will travel to Israel, Palestine, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan this week to discuss humanitarian access and assistance and political issues with regional leaders. We need a political horizon looking towards the two-state solution. This can only be achieved through dialogue."

The European Union has called for immediate pauses in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Borrell stressed the importance of ensuring safe humanitarian aid delivery, stating, "EU joins calls for immediate pauses in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors, including through increased capacity at border crossings and through a dedicated maritime route, so that humanitarian aid can safely reach the population of Gaza." The EU strongly condemned Hamas for using hospitals and civilians as human shields and called for the immediate release of all hostages.

It also stressed the need to grant the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to these hostages. Expressing concern for the impact on civilians and medical staff, Borrell affirmed, "The EU condemns the use of hospitals and civilians as human shields by Hamas. Civilians must be allowed to leave the combat zone. These hostilities are severely impacting hospitals and taking a horrific toll on civilians and medical staff." While reiterating support for Israel's right to self-defense in accordance with international law, Borrell emphasized the importance of continuous and safe humanitarian access and aid reaching those in need through various measures, including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs.

The EU stressed the importance of protecting hospitals, medical supplies, and civilians inside hospitals in line with international humanitarian law. It further called for the provision of urgent medical supplies to hospitals and the safe evacuation of patients in need of immediate care. The EU also urged Israel to exercise restraint to ensure the protection of civilians. Amidst the ongoing conflict, Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that they delivered 300 liters of fuel to Shifa Hospital in Gaza for urgent medical purposes. However, Hamas prevented the hospital from accepting it, drawing attention to the dire fuel shortage in Gaza's hospitals.

The IDF questioned why Hamas would prevent the hospital from receiving much-needed fuel if the situation is critical. As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, Borrell's upcoming visits to regional leaders and the EU's emphasis on humanitarian access and assistance highlight the urgent need for dialogue and a two-state solution. The EU's condemnation of Hamas for using hospitals and civilians as shields further emphasizes the importance of protecting civilians and medical facilities in the midst of the conflict.