This Friday, the high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and vice-president of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, stated that Israel financed the formation of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas with the aim of weakening the Palestinian Authority. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has consistently denied this allegation.
“Yes, Hamas has received funding from Israel over the years in an effort to undermine the Palestinian Authority run by Fatah,” Borrell claimed during a ceremony. He spoke while receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Valladolid, on the proposal of the Institute of European Studies, and argued that engagement from outside forces is necessary to pursue the establishment of a Palestinian state despite Israel’s denial. An emphasis was placed on the international community playing a role in stabilizing the region.
In parallel, he warned that without a decisive intervention, a spiral of hatred could intensify. Borrell called for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire to stabilize conditions in the Gaza Strip, the release of Israeli hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. [citation: EU Statement, 2024]
conflict resolution
According to Borrell, the actors involved are too fragmented to reach a durable agreement on their own. He urged the Arab world, Europe, the United States, and the entire United Nations to back a resolution recognizing the establishment of a Palestinian state, while acknowledging Israel’s current opposition. [citation: EU briefing, 2024]
The central question remains whether a solution to the conflict is possible while Israel maintains its leadership. Borrell argued that the Israeli government is an obstacle, yet governments can adapt. He stressed that the critical factor is how citizens on both sides perceive the conflict and the paths to resolution. [citation: EU remarks, 2024]
He asserted that Israel’s security cannot be guaranteed by military force alone. Those who advocate a two-state solution must be actively involved in making it a reality, and if the international community supports this approach, it should pursue a push to enforce that outcome. [citation: EU position, 2024]
Red Sea on the brink of a dangerous situation
On the broader dispute between Israel and Palestine over the Red Sea area, Borrell emphasized the priority of preventing escalation and protecting maritime navigation without inflaming tensions. He highlighted the risk of a flashpoint that could spark a larger crisis if mishandled. [citation: EU security update, 2024]
The EU’s top diplomat noted that the risk of a serious incident is near, and warned that the bloc will not deploy ships to active combat missions. Instead, it would focus on safeguarding navigation, hoping to avoid a broader confrontation while maintaining a prepared stance. [citation: EU assessment, 2024]