BRUSSELS: The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, condemned Israel’s recent wave of airstrikes on Gaza, describing them as “unacceptable.” This strong statement came after Israel launched its most intense bombing campaign on the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire agreement with Hamas collapsed in January.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces resumed their military operations against Gaza following the end of a truce with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which had lasted for over 15 months. These new airstrikes are reportedly the most severe since the ceasefire ended. According to Gaza’s health ministry, the strikes killed over 400 people, many of whom were civilians.
During a phone call with Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, EU foreign policy chief Kallas expressed her deep concern over the escalation of violence. She directly questioned Saar, asking, “Why are you doing this?” Kallas conveyed that the European Union could not accept the targeting of civilians, highlighting the human cost of these renewed hostilities. She emphasized that the loss of civilian lives in Gaza was a particular point of contention for the EU, which had previously called for a halt to the violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the growing international condemnation by warning that the airstrikes were just the beginning. He stated that future talks with Hamas would occur “only under fire,” signaling Israel’s intention to continue its military operations until all hostages taken during the October 2023 attack by Hamas are returned. Netanyahu’s remarks reflected Israel’s determination to maintain pressure on Hamas despite international calls for a ceasefire.
In response to the escalating violence, Kallas confirmed that she would be traveling to Egypt on Sunday for discussions with the “Arab Quint” — a group composed of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Her visit is aimed at increasing diplomatic efforts and applying pressure on Israel to halt the strikes and return to the negotiation table.
Kallas’ statements and upcoming diplomatic efforts illustrate the EU’s concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict and the need for renewed international pressure on Israel to address the loss of civilian lives and the broader regional stability.
The EU has continually called for peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas, and Kallas’ remarks show the bloc’s determination to intensify diplomatic efforts in the region, particularly in light of the continuing violence and stalled peace talks. The situation remains volatile, with no clear path to resolution in sight.
