Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign affairs chief, arrived in Israel on Sunday evening to push for an immediate ceasefire to end the destruction in Gaza. Kallas emphasized that while Israel has the right to defend itself, it must also protect civilian lives and uphold humanitarian law. “The killing must stop. In any new war, both sides lose,” she stated. Kallas also stressed that Hamas must release all hostages, Israel should fully restore humanitarian aid to Gaza, and peace negotiations must resume.
During her visit, Kallas is scheduled to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and opposition leader Yair Lapid. She will also hold talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.
The conflict in Gaza has deeply divided EU member states. Some support Israel’s right to defend itself, while others call for an end to the fighting and recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Israeli army launched an offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Sunday, while continuing operations in the north. This follows the collapse of the ceasefire with Hamas five days earlier.
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The Gaza conflict was triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has since resulted in 50,021 deaths in Gaza, according to Hamas figures, which the United Nations considers credible.
Kallas’s visit highlights the EU’s divided stance and the urgent need for a balanced approach to securing peace. Her call for renewed talks and humanitarian aid underscores the pressing need to protect civilian lives and work toward a sustainable resolution.
This article is originally published on fr.euronews.com
