EU High Representative Josep Borrell, while condemning the Hamas attack of 7 October, warned in Israel on Thursday 16 November that “one horror does not (justify) another”, recalling the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“Innocent civilians, including thousands of children, have died in recent weeks. We also know that people are also forced to leave their houses and need assistance. They need food, water, fuel and protection”, he stressed, alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.
Recalling that Israel must be defended and Hamas defeated, Mr Borrell said that it was one thing to defend the Jewish state and another to look after those in need. “This is why the European Union, together with supporting of the right to defend of Israel, is also asking for humanitarian assistance for food, water, fuel and protection”, he explained, adding that the Union and the United Nations were continuing to call for “continued, rapid, safe and unhindered” humanitarian access to ensure that aid reaches those in need through all necessary measures, including corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs.
Earlier in the day, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, described the UN Security Council’s call for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors for Gaza and for the release of hostages as an “important step”. “It is now time for effective implementation”, he added.
Understanding the “fears”, “pain” and “rage” of Israelis over the Hamas attacks, massacres and kidnappings, Mr Borrell asked them not to “be consumed by rage”, because “what makes the difference between a civilised society and a terrorist group is respect for human life”.
“All human lives have the same value and, ultimately, security can only come from peace”, he said. Then he quotes a comment made by an Israeli reserve officer: “No army can protect a nation better as peace can do”. “We have seen that walls, and technology, and soldiers are not enough to make Israel secure”, stressed the High Representative.
According to him, at some point we will have to see how this war ends and how to create a better future, which will involve a “sustainable solution that can give to Israel the right to live in peace and security, living side by side with others – with the Palestinians and the Arab countries”. The High Representative hoped to be able to work with the Israeli government on this issue. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)