Breaking news: Gaza statement came from the European Union. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell made a statement to the press after the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers held via video conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Stating that the ministers agreed to condemn any attack targeting civilians, Borrell stated that it was emphasized at the meeting that the detained persons should be released and international humanitarian law should be respected.
“This means that there should be no water, food or electricity cuts, and that humanitarian corridors should be opened so that people can escape from the bombardment in Gaza towards Egypt,” Borrell said. said.
“I am witnessing Gaza being bombed for the 4th time in my life.” Borrell said, “Our ministers were insistent on the idea that Israel should exercise its right to self-defense in accordance with international humanitarian law.” he said.
“EU AID TO PALESTINE SHOULD CONTINUE” MESSAGE
Clarifying the issue of “EU aid”, which became unclear due to different statements made by the EU yesterday, Borrell stated that the ministers made “a clear distinction between Hamas and the Palestinian people and administration”.
Borrell emphasized that the EU Commission wanted an evaluation as to whether the aid provided to Palestine fell into the hands of Hamas, and that this would be done if necessary, but that this would not interrupt the support given to the Palestinian people.
“It would be a huge mistake to stop our support for the Palestinian leadership at this critical time.” Making his evaluation, Borrell said:
“The barbaric terrorist attack, which caused a lot of civilian casualties, triggered the response of the Israeli army, which will cause civilians to suffer. We insist that this (Israel’s self-defense) be done in accordance with international humanitarian law. Civilian casualties are also increasing in Gaza. 150 thousand.” “People have been displaced. The humanitarian situation is dire. We need to increase our support. We need to increase it, not decrease it.”
Borrell reported that “95 percent” of EU ministers think that aid to the Palestinian administration should continue.
CALL TO REVIVAL THE PEACE PROCESS
Stating that it was also mentioned at the meeting that the relevant actors attempted to revive the Middle East peace process in New York on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly last month, Borrell underlined that the two-state solution is the only way.
“This could be an awakening moment,” Borrell said. He stated that the current crisis could create an opportunity for a permanent peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem.
ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT
Hamas’s armed wing, Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a comprehensive attack on Israel on the morning of October 7, called the “Aqsa Flood”.
While thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel, Palestinian armed groups raided and seized the Beit Hanun-Erez Border Gate on the Gaza-Israel border.
Armed groups then entered the settlements within Israel from here, and the Israeli army launched an attack on the Gaza Strip with dozens of warplanes.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that 830 people died and 4,250 people were injured in Gaza during Israeli attacks.
In the occupied West Bank, it was reported that 20 people lost their lives and more than 110 people were injured in attacks by Israeli soldiers.
It was reported that 1000 Israelis lost their lives and 2,806 people were injured, 106 of them seriously, in the attacks carried out from Gaza. (AA)