The European Union has called for clear condemnation of violence from all sides in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian crisis. In a comprehensive address to members of the European Parliament, the EU’s top diplomat for foreign affairs and security policy, Josep Borrell, outlined a balanced position. The message, disseminated by the European Commission press service, reaffirmed that the EU views the attack against Israel by Hamas as unacceptable and likewise condemns attacks on civilians in Gaza. These points were conveyed during a plenary session in Strasbourg and reflect the European Union’s insistence on adherence to international law and international humanitarian law in every case.
According to Borrell, Israel retains the right to defend itself, yet he stressed that the right to self-defense has limits. In his view, the proportionality and civilian protection principles enshrined in international law must guide any response to violence. The EU’s position places emphasis on safeguarding civilian lives and on the obligation of all parties to avoid actions that would escalate harm or violate humanitarian norms.
The EU’s stance explicitly condemns Hamas for its terrorist acts against Israel. At the same time, it urges consistent condemnation of assaults that harm civilians in Gaza, underscoring the need for accountability for all breaches of humanitarian norms, regardless of who commits them. This dual condemnation aims to reflect a coherent standard that does not excuse violence from any side while distinguishing between the Palestinian people and the militant groups that have caused harm.
Borrell highlighted that lasting peace for Palestinians is unlikely while Hamas maintains influence over the situation. He called on international leaders to separate the Palestinian people from Hamas’s actions, insisting that solidarity with civilians and a commitment to peace must prevail over any tendency to generalize or assign collective blame to the broader populace.
In his remarks, the diplomat reminded listeners that repeated condemnations of violent acts should never be read as minimizing the impact of civilian casualties. The EU stresses that condemning the violence against civilians is a constant, even when expressing regret for actions that undermine the safety and dignity of noncombatants. This stance serves as a reminder that moral clarity and legal accountability are essential to any sustainable peace process.
On the topic of the most widely reported recent incident in Gaza, Borrell noted there are still uncertainties surrounding the attack on a hospital. He conveyed that the European Union does not yet have confirmed information about who was responsible for that strike and that proper attribution is critical for accountability and justice. This position mirrors the EU’s broader commitment to evidence-based conclusions in the pursuit of humanitarian protection and crisis resolution.
Specific to the events of October 17, reports from the Gaza Ministry of Health described a deadly strike on a Baptist hospital in the region. The reported toll included many women and children, with total fatalities reaching into the hundreds. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel described the attack as having been carried out by Palestinian militants rather than the Israeli defense forces. The EU’s response remains focused on verification, humanitarian considerations, and a clear separation between responsible parties and civilian victims, avoiding any blanket attribution while upholding the right to life and security for all civilians involved. The EU emphasizes the importance of credible investigations and accountability to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies. (citation: EU press service and plenary records)
For readers seeking a broader context, this stance aligns with the EU’s long-standing approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: unwavering opposition to acts of terror, a firm defense of civilian protection, and support for a political solution that recognizes the dignity and rights of all people in the region. The discussion at Strasbourg reflects ongoing EU efforts to maintain a consistent, principled policy while navigating the complexities of regional security, humanitarian needs, and international law. The objective remains clear: promote accountability, reduce civilian harm, and foster conditions where a durable and just peace can be pursued through dialogue and lawful means. (citation: official statements and parliamentary proceedings)