Aiming for a ceasefire
EU summit calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war
The EU heads of state and government called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in the Gaza war on Thursday evening. This should lead to a "permanent ceasefire", as EU Council President Charles Michael announced on the online platform X.
The European Council is "appalled by the unprecedented loss of civilian lives and the critical humanitarian situation." The EU leaders are also calling for "the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid." Hamas and "other armed groups" must allow "immediate humanitarian access to the remaining hostages". Austria's government had explicitly insisted on this access in the statement.
You can see Charles Michel's tweet here.
Sexual violence from both sides an issue
The EU heads of state also call on Israel's government to refrain from a ground offensive in Rafah. This would further aggravate the humanitarian situation and "prevent the provision of aid."
The demand by Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) to more clearly condemn and name the rape of Israeli women by Hamas fighters was not fulfilled. Hamas is not even mentioned in the declaration in connection with sexual violence, but reference is made to UN reports that point to sexual violence during the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. At the same time, reference is made to reports by UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem, who reports sexual violence by Israeli soldiers against Palestinian women.
Ceasefire also on the agenda at the UN
An immediate ceasefire will also be on the agenda at the UN Security Council on Friday. Among other things, the US resolution also refers to "ongoing diplomatic efforts" in this regard. "We have actually submitted a resolution, which is now before the Security Council, calling for an immediate ceasefire combined with the release of the hostages," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
A resolution in the Security Council requires the votes of at least 9 of the 15 member states. In addition, there must be no veto from the permanent members Russia, China, France or the UK. Security Council resolutions are binding under international law. If an affected state ignores them, the body can impose sanctions.
The war in the Gaza Strip was triggered by Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7. According to Israeli figures, around 1160 people were killed and 250 others were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip. Since the attack, Israel has taken massive military action in the area. According to Hamas, almost 32,000 people have been killed.
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