Bussels In an unprecedented display of unity, the leaders of all 27 European Union member states have come together to make a resounding call for “humanitarian corridors and pauses” in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The aim is to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, to the beleaguered Palestinian population.
The official declaration is set to be released following a two-day summit held in Brussels, where leaders engaged in intense negotiations to reach a consensus on the language of the statement. Spain, in particular, pressed for the inclusion of the term “ceasefire” in the document, considering it a stronger message. This strategic move was also designed to leverage other concessions.
Spanish President Pedro Sánchez succeeded in securing support for a peace conference focusing on a two-state solution, a significant addition to the formal declaration. The member states also agreed to specific language condemning the loss of civilian lives in Gaza and Israel.
The declaration underscores the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and urgently calls for the establishment of “humanitarian corridors and pauses” to ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of aid to those in need.
However, it’s worth noting that the choice of words was not without controversy, with some member states, including Germany, favoring the term “windows” over “pauses.” They were concerned that “humanitarian pause” suggested a permanent ceasefire, potentially undermining Israel’s right to self-defense.
This episode of discord has been one of the most damaging incidents for the EU in recent years. It even led to a clash between European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the initial lack of emphasis on humanitarian concerns in her early statements regarding the conflict.
Despite these internal disagreements, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas downplayed the rift, emphasizing the pressing need to deliver aid to Gaza. Von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, asserting that there’s no contradiction between showing solidarity with Israel and addressing the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s population.
However, some voices suggest that this lack of unity has already damaged the EU’s standing in the global south, particularly in the aftermath of the Cairo peace summit.
The debates and negotiations, while challenging, were aimed at finding common language to move forward and bring political momentum to the supply of humanitarian aid and the revival of talks on a two-state solution. The EU remains committed to providing vital aid and seeking a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.