Borrell's Call for Support of the ICC and Two-State Solution
On his final day in office, Josep Borrell, the European Union's foreign policy chief, emphasized the importance of supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and maintaining international law in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Borrell's statements came in light of recent arrest warrants issued by the ICC for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant. He criticized the Netanyahu government for allegedly 'trampling on international law' and violating humanitarian principles.
Borrell stated, 'I did not want to leave my job in Brussels without having this meeting,' referring to the second meeting of the 'Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution' initiative. He urged the international community, particularly EU members, to uphold the ICC, which he described as essential for global justice and accountability. He warned that undermining the ICC would diminish its effectiveness and called for a ceasefire in Gaza as a necessary first step towards achieving peace.
Human Rights Violations and Regional Stability
Borrell condemned the situation in Gaza as a 'flagrant violation of human rights,' advocating for immediate ceasefire measures followed by political solutions. He also highlighted the need for robust support for the Lebanese army, expressing cautious optimism following a ceasefire agreement with Israel. Borrell's remarks underscore the interconnectedness of Middle Eastern stability and European security, emphasizing that ongoing instability in the region has direct implications for Europe.