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Ambassadors

EU Diplomats Urge Brussels to Act on Gaza Situation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

More than 200 former EU ambassadors and senior officials have signed a joint letter criticizing the EU's inaction on the Gaza situation, expressing disappointment and dismay over the lack of substantive measures to pressure Israel to end its war and occupation. The letter, addressed to European leaders, warns that if the EU fails to take a collective stand, action will be left to individual member states or groups of like-minded countries. The diplomats have expressed particular concern over Israel's plans to expand illegal settlements in East Jerusalem and the declaration of a man-made famine in Gaza, where half a million people face starvation and death.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter was signed by more than 200 former EU ambassadors and senior officials, expressing their profound disappointment over the EU's inaction on the Gaza situation.
  • The signatories urged the EU to take substantive measures to pressure Israel to end its brutal war and occupation, and to dismantle its illegal occupation of Gaza and the West Bank.
  • The letter condemned Israel's plans to expand illegal settlements in East Jerusalem, citing its openly declared aim to sabotage the two-state solution.
  • The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed a man-made famine in Gaza, with half a million people facing starvation and death.
  • The letter was addressed to European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
  • The diplomats expressed dismay that no cease-fire has been agreed in Gaza in the four weeks since their previous letter, signed by 58 former EU ambassadors.
  • The letter warned that if the EU fails to take collective action, the situation will be left to individual member states or groups of like-minded countries, which will lack the full force of EU-wide collective action.

Statistics:

  • More than 200 former EU ambassadors and senior officials signed the joint letter.
  • 58 former EU ambassadors signed the previous letter to express concern over the Gaza situation.
  • Half a million people in Gaza face starvation, destitution, and death due to a man-made famine.
  • The EU has failed to take substantive measures to pressure Israel to end its brutal war and occupation.
  • The IPC confirmed the existence of a man-made famine in Gaza on August 22.
  • No cease-fire has been agreed in Gaza in the four weeks since the previous letter was signed.

Sources:

  • RTS (Irish broadcaster) News
  • Irishtimes.com
  • Euractiv.com
  • European Union websites and public statements

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