1 month ago
Commission chief calls for 'humanitarian pause' leading to 'sustainable ceasefire' in Gaza
Speaking at the European parliament this morning, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said that “the people of Gaza need an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire – and they need it now.”
She also outlined the EU’s efforts to boost humanitarian aid.
“As we speak, a ship is setting sail from Cyprus to northern Gaza. It carries the most basic kind of humanitarian aid,” she said, adding that “this maritime corridor is the result of unprecedented international cooperation.”
Von der Leyen underscored that “the situation on the ground is more dramatic than ever and it has reached a tipping point.”
She added:
We have all seen the reports of children dying of starvation. This cannot be and we must do all in our power to stop it.
Von der Leyen also announced that the EU’s civil protection mechanism has been activated to strengthen support.
Addressing the situation of UNRWA, she said:
We will proceed with the payment of 50 million euros in support of UNRWA and the next tranches will be released as soon as the agency takes the other steps we have agreed together. All of this with one simple goal: that every euro we invest is spent according to our rules and reaches Palestinians in need.
And speaking of the broader situation, she stressed:
Of course, Israel has the right to defend itself and fight off Hamas. But the protection of civilians must be ensured at all times in line with international law. And right now there’s only one way to restore an adequate flow of humanitarian aid. The people of Gaza need an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire – and they need it now.
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Today we will be looking at the latest strikes in Germany, as well as EU debates ahead of a summit later this month.
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Commission to recommend opening EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina
In her speech at the European parliament, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said that Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken “impressive steps forward” and that the Commission will recommend to the Council to open accession negotiations with the country.
“Today, we the college are presenting a report on Bosnia and Herzegovina,” she said, noting that “Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken impressive steps forward. More progress has been achieved in just over a year than in a whole decade.”
She added:
Of course, more progress is necessary to join our union.
But the country is showing that it can deliver on its membership criteria, and on its citizens’ aspirations to be part of our family.
This is – the good news comes now – this is the reason that we will decide to recommend to the Council to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Commission chief calls for 'humanitarian pause' leading to 'sustainable ceasefire' in Gaza
Speaking at the European parliament this morning, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said that “the people of Gaza need an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire – and they need it now.”
She also outlined the EU’s efforts to boost humanitarian aid.
“As we speak, a ship is setting sail from Cyprus to northern Gaza. It carries the most basic kind of humanitarian aid,” she said, adding that “this maritime corridor is the result of unprecedented international cooperation.”
Von der Leyen underscored that “the situation on the ground is more dramatic than ever and it has reached a tipping point.”
She added:
We have all seen the reports of children dying of starvation. This cannot be and we must do all in our power to stop it.
Von der Leyen also announced that the EU’s civil protection mechanism has been activated to strengthen support.
Addressing the situation of UNRWA, she said:
We will proceed with the payment of 50 million euros in support of UNRWA and the next tranches will be released as soon as the agency takes the other steps we have agreed together. All of this with one simple goal: that every euro we invest is spent according to our rules and reaches Palestinians in need.
And speaking of the broader situation, she stressed:
Of course, Israel has the right to defend itself and fight off Hamas. But the protection of civilians must be ensured at all times in line with international law. And right now there’s only one way to restore an adequate flow of humanitarian aid. The people of Gaza need an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire – and they need it now.
