EU foreign ministers at odds over call for ceasefire in Gaza

Luxembourg, October 24: EU foreign ministers struggled to find a common position on Monday when it came to the crisis in the Middle East, as well as differing over long-term aid for Ukraine as the war against Russia enters its second winter.Meeting in Luxembourg, the foreign ministers were at odds over whether to call for a humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as called for by the United Nations.Such an appeal is supported by some EU countries, including Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands, while others like Germany and Austria oppose this approach and emphasize Israel's right to self-defence."There will only be peace and security for Israel and the Palestinians if terrorism is being combatted," German Foreign Minister AnnalenaBaerbock said, as she arrived at the meeting."We cannot contain the humanitarian catastrophe if the terrorism of Gaza continues like this," she said, alluding to Hamas' control of the Gaza Strip. Hamas is designated as a terrorism group by the EU.A ceasefire to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical supplies "is a matter of the utmost urgency," said Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin."The loss of life is enormous, is at a scale that has to be stopped," he added. "The suffering of innocent civilians, particularly children, is on a scale that requires an immediate cessation." Borrell hoped that EU leaders at their summit in Brussels later this week will be able to jointly back a pause - rather than a cessation - of fighting to allow the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.An interruption of hostilities would be a less ambitious objective, but could also be effective more swiftly, he said."A humanitarian pause is not something that the EU can decree. It's the parties of the conflict that can decree this," Borrell said.Apart from the crisis in the Middle East, Russia's war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the sudden outbreak of conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia were among the issues competing for ministers' attention."Ukraine has disappeared from the news, but the war in Ukraine hasn't disappeared. It's still ongoing. Russians are still bombing civilian targets," Borrell said."We have to make sure that Ukraine also comes through this winter with the best possible protection," Baerbock said, stressing previous commitments by Berlin for the winter months.EU states have to clarify in the coming months how the EU should participate in planned security commitments for Ukraine.Borrell has suggested making longer-term financing commitments for military aid and also using EU money to support the delivery of modern fighter jets and missiles.Specifically, he wants to earmark €5 billion ($5.3 billion) annually from 2024 to the end of 2027.A number of EU member states have however so far been reluctant to make new long-term financing commitments for Ukraine.Decisions on further EU support for Ukraine were not taken at Monday's meeting, and the topic will instead be addressed by EU leaders later this week, Borrell said.Source: Qatar Tribune