19/02/2024 (Agence Europe) – At the end of the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 19 February, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, announced that 26 Member States had agreed on a new statement on a possible offensive in southern Gaza, similar to the one published on Friday 16 February (see EUROPE 13352/2). The 26 Member States - all of them except Hungary - are calling for an “immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance”. The High Representative pointed out that an Israeli military offensive in Rafah would worsen “an already catastrophic situation”. The 26 Member States also called on Israel to respect international humanitarian law and the “legally binding” orders of the International Court of Justice, according to Mr Borrell. (CG)