Borrell slams EU's response to Gaza genocide as 'bad joke'
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Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell criticizes the European Union's limited actions against "Israel" over its conduct in Gaza, calling them a "bad joke" and urging tougher sanctions, including suspending trade agreements
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European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell gives a statement to the media after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has denounced the European Union's limited response to "Israel" over its ongoing genocide in Gaza, describing the bloc's actions as "a bad joke."
"If this is the only response the European Commission is capable of in the face of what Israel is doing, it is a joke. A bad joke... Is that really all they can think to do, considering what is happening?" Borrell told the EUobserver portal.
The EU's current proposed measure involves partially suspending "Israel's" participation in the Horizon Europe research program, the EU's flagship research initiative. However, Borrell argues that this falls dramatically short of what is needed to hold "Israel" accountable. The proposal still requires approval from a qualified majority of EU member states to be enacted.
Calls for stronger sanctions
Borrell emphasized that the situation in Gaza demands a more robust response, calling for the suspension of the EU's trade agreement with "Israel". Such a move would reportedly cost "Israel" around 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) annually.
He also questioned the credibility of EU institutions that fail to act decisively in the face of such a profound humanitarian catastrophe. "We cannot continue to preach about human rights and international law while turning a blind eye to Gaza," he stated.
He further criticized the so-called "understanding" reached between the EU and "Israel" in July, which was intended to facilitate humanitarian access for Palestinians. According to Borrell, the arrangement is "cynical" and serves merely as an excuse to avoid implementing real sanctions.
In his opinion piece in The Guardian, Borrell expressed deep frustration with the EU's hesitance, stating: "The credibility of Europe is at stake. If we continue with vague declarations, we are losing our moral and political compass."
Borrell compares EU’s treatment of Russians and "Israel"
Additionally, in the same Guardian piece, he pointed out the stark contrast between the EU's handling of other global conflicts and its current inaction on Gaza. "There can be no peace without justice. And there can be no justice if international law is applied selectively," he wrote.
"Thousands of Russians were sanctioned for less than what Israel is currently doing," Borrell noted, drawing a stark comparison to the EU's swift actions during other international crises.
"When it comes to the suffering of Palestinians, some governments suddenly become paralyzed," Borrell wrote. "This double standard is corrosive and undermines the EU's commitment to international law and human rights."
He added that the lack of tangible action signals to "Israel" that it can continue its operations in Gaza without serious repercussions. "Our inaction is complicity," Borrell warned. "The longer we delay, the more innocent lives will be lost."
EU faces mounting pressure over Gaza
Borrell's statements reflect mounting frustration among segments of the European leadership over the Union's response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. As violence continues, so too do calls for the EU to align its policies with its professed values.
Human rights organizations and political voices across Europe have echoed Borrell's concerns, demanding not just symbolic gestures but concrete actions, such as economic sanctions, arms embargoes, and the suspension of bilateral agreements.
