EU Official Urges Longer Ceasefire in Middle East Conflict
Middle East peace talks took a turn as EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, urged for an extension of the current four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Borrell, speaking at the Union for the Mediterranean meeting in Barcelona, emphasized the importance of a long-term, sustainable solution. The ceasefire is set to expire on Tuesday morning without an extension.
The calls for extension came after 1,200 civilian deaths and around 240 hostages taken during Hamas's unprecedented attacks on October 7. Israel retaliated with airstrikes and ground attacks in the Gaza Strip, leading to an estimated 15,000 Palestinian casualties since then.
Urging for unity, Borrell stressed that "one horror cannot justify another horror." Hamas, which controls Gaza, confirmed their readiness to extend the ceasefire by two to four days and potentially release more hostages.
The EU Ombudsman expressed concerns about the lack of a meaningful extension during the Gaza war, advocating for a lasting peace. The proposed extension could potentially lead to further hostage releases, potentially de-escalating the Middle East conflict.
Insight: The conflict has recently seen a temporary ceasefire, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar. The deal includes multiple stages, with the first releasing 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza cities. The next stages aim to bring further hostage releases and humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory.
However, challenges and delays in implementing this agreement have raised concerns about its durability. The families of remaining hostages have expressed their distress, following the confirmation of an 86-year-old Israeli captive's murder in captivity.
Despite these challenges, international leaders such as EU leaders, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have welcomed the deal and urged both parties to fully implement it, aiming to secure a longer-term peace solution for Israelis and Palestinians.
