EU leaders on Thursday evening called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in the Gaza war. This should lead to a ‘permanent ceasefire’, as EU Council President Charles Michael announced on the online platform X.
The European Council is “shocked by the unprecedented loss of civilian lives and the critical humanitarian situation.” EU leaders also called for “the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid.” Hamas and “other armed groups” must “Immediately provide humanitarian access to the remaining hostages. The Austrian government explicitly insisted on this access in the statement.
Here you can see Charles Michel’s tweet.
Sexual violence from both sides is a problem
EU heads of state also called on the Israeli government to refrain from a ground offensive in Rafah. It would further deteriorate the humanitarian situation and ‘hinder’ aid delivery.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s (ÖVP) demand to condemn and clearly identify the rape of Israeli women by Hamas fighters was not met. The statement does not mention Hamas at all in connection with sexual violence, but it does refer to UN reports pointing to sexual violence in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. 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.
A ceasefire is also a problem at the UN
An immediate ceasefire will also be discussed at the UN Security Council on Friday. The US resolution also addresses, among other things, “ongoing diplomatic efforts”. “We have now submitted a resolution to the Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire, coupled with the release of the hostages,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
A resolution in the UN Security Council requires the votes of at least 9 of the 15 member states. Moreover, there should be no veto from the permanent members Russia, China, France or Great Britain. 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’s attack on Israel on October 7. According to Israeli information, approximately 1,160 people were killed and 250 others 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 were killed.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
