EU condemns Israel for violating ICJ decision

BRUSSELS: The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs, Joseph Borrell, strongly condemned Israel for continuing military attacks in southern Gaza despite the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) being issued.

This reflects the Netanyahu-led government’s violation of the ICJ decision.

Borrell also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for falsely accusing the ICJ of antisemitism for his own political purposes.

“I want to emphasize that I issued a tweet earlier this morning about the horrifying news coming out of Rafah regarding Israeli airstrikes killing dozens of people who lost their homes. The latest figures seem to be around 40 people, including small children, being killed.

“I condemn this action in the strongest terms. It proves that there is no safe place in Gaza, and this attack occurred just after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to cease all military activities in Gaza,” Borrell said to the media after a meeting with senior ministers from Arab countries. Borrell also urged for the implementation of the two-state solution to be discussed promptly.

“One suggestion from the leadership of Arab countries is to consider an international discussion entitled ‘How do we implement the two-state solution?’

“Yes, this should be the goal, not to further discuss whether or not the two-state solution is desirable, as this has been discussed enough.

“But how to implement it. This proposal may be combined with the request or mandate of the European Union Council to hold an international security conference,” he added.

The EU at the same time agreed to revive the EU’s civilian mission in Rafah.

However, it requires approval from all parties to proceed with the matter.

The bloc is considering reviving the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) Rafah, which has not been operational since 2007, after Hamas took control of Gaza.

The Rafah crossing is a major entry point for aid from Egypt and has been closed since Israeli forces seized it from the Gaza side nearly three weeks ago.

Diplomats said the mission is unlikely to be carried out until the fighting in Rafah stops.