Around a year ago‚ Josep Borrell the EUs top diplomat‚ shared his thoughts on the Middle East situation at a G7 defense ministers gathering in Naples. He pointed out that a cease-fire was the main goal and that the death of Hamas leader Yaya Sinwar by Israeli forces might make it easier to get one.
Borrell said‚ “After Sinwars killing a new perspective is open and we have to use it to reach a ceasefire a release the remaining (Israeli) hostages and to look for a political perspective“. He was talking to reporters at the meeting.
The EU diplomat also brought up the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) which had been attacked during fights between Israel and Hezbollah. He suggested that UNIFIL could be made stronger‚ saying:
Maybe the mission of the UNIFIL has to be reviewed but the first thing to do is a ceasefire
Borrell stressed that UN forces should be respected everywhere in the world. He also mentioned that any decisions about UNIFIL would be up to the UN Security Council to make
The EUs top diplomatʼs words show how complex the situation is in the Middle East – with peace talks hostage issues and the role of international forces all being part of the picture. His comments highlight the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful solution in the region