EU top diplomat calls for ‘pause of hostilities’ in Gaza war

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urges a “pause of hostilities” to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip after the intense overnight aerial bombardment of the coastal territory.

“Gaza is in complete blackout and isolation while heavy shelling continues,” Borrell says on social media.

“UNRWA warns about the desperate situation of Gaza people without electricity, food, water” he adds, referring to the UN relief agency for Palestinian Refugees.

“Far too many civilians, including children, have been killed. This is against International Humanitarian Law,” he said.

“A pause of hostilities is urgently needed to enable humanitarian access,” he adds.

Borrell also condemns all attacks on civilians, “including continuing indiscriminate rocket attacks against Israel” and called for the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages”.

His comments are challenged by Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg on social media for having exceeded the position agreed by EU leaders earlier in the week.

“It is imperative to stick to the positions clearly expressed by Heads of States and Governments”, the minister says, referring to the meeting of European Union leaders on Thursday.

Schallenberg lists the EU’s positions, which included condemnation of Hamas’s “terrorist attacks”, Israel’s “right to defend itself in line with international law” and the call for all hostages to be released.