EU's Borrell Condemns Israeli Airstrike, Raises Famine Alarm in Gaza

Josep Borrell, EU High Representative, criticized Israel's airstrike on Jabalia, Gaza, and urged action against looming famine and forced displacement. Citing UN and Red Cross reports, he called for immediate international intervention to alleviate suffering and demanded that Israel grant humanitarian aid access.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, has issued a strong condemnation of Israel's recent airstrike on Jabalia, in Gaza, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties. He highlighted the increasing use of the term 'ethnic cleansing' to describe the ongoing situation in northern Gaza, pointing to the daily forced displacement of residents as a breach of international law.

Borrell expressed serious concerns over the use of hunger as a weapon, which he stated contradicts international humanitarian law. He referenced warnings from the United Nations about a significant risk of famine spreading across northern Gaza. Borrell stressed the need for immediate action to avert what he described as a man-made disaster, reiterating that Israel, as an occupying power, has an obligation to permit humanitarian aid access.

The EU representative urged the international community, along with Israel's principal allies, to urgently take measures to ease Palestinian suffering and ensure the release of hostages. He drew attention to a report from the International Committee of the Red Cross, which emphasizes that all involved parties must act swiftly, within days, not weeks, to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)