The EU Foreign Policy Chief expressed on Monday that the future of the beleaguered Gaza Strip is a concern for the entire Middle East.
Josep Borrell, speaking from the Egyptian side of the Rafah Crossing into Gaza, condemned the destruction and dire situation caused by the ongoing Israeli attacks. He warned against Gaza becoming a “new Mogadishu in the Mediterranean” or a “new Haiti,” characterized by lawlessness and violence. He emphasized that the security and stability of the entire region, including Israel, are at stake.
Borrell called for support for the Palestinian administration to restore order in Gaza. He highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis, noting that only a small fraction of aid reaches those in need due to the closed crossings controlled by Israel. “Today, 1,400 trucks are waiting to enter Gaza, but on a good day, only about 50 make it through. During Ramadan, we had 600 trucks per day—this is just a drop in the ocean,” he said. He reiterated his call for the reopening of the crossing to improve conditions in Gaza.
Borrell also emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire to allow for further measures, including deploying EU and other international staff. He expressed frustration at the lack of progress toward a cease-fire, questioning why a deal has not been reached despite diplomatic efforts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced criticism, including from within Israel, for potentially delaying a cease-fire for political reasons.
Earlier in the day, Borrell met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. They discussed the Gaza conflict and the need to prevent further escalation. Borrell highlighted the strategic partnership between the EU and Egypt in areas ranging from economic development to regional peace.
Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Israel’s offensive on Gaza continues, resulting in nearly 41,000 Palestinian deaths since the attack by Hamas on October 7. The ongoing blockade has led to severe shortages of food, water, and medicine, devastating the region. Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.
