News   /   Reports

EU foreign ministers fail to agree on Israeli bombardment

Jerome Hughes
Press TV, Brussels

EU foreign affairs ministers have failed to reach conclusions regarding Israel’s escalating violence against the Palestinian people. This, as rights groups are calling on the bloc to impose sanctions against Israel.

It was billed as an emergency meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers to discuss the deadly violence in the Middle East. In fact, critics of Israel call it an illegal and merciless bombardment of Palestinians rather than a conflict. The ministers couldn't decide on anything concrete and so the 27-nation bloc's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, ended up playing the event down.

That takeaway basically consisted of merely calling for peace and for Israel's actions to be proportionate. Rights groups insist what's needed, instead, is for the EU to slap sanctions on Tel Aviv.

But as Palestinians continue to suffer perhaps Israel's influence in the West is too strong. The White House says the US will continue to provide $3.8bn in military aid to Israel each year, claiming the regime has a right to defend itself.

A large number of EU lawmakers have issued statements condemning Israel's actions. Some of these statements have been strongly worded.

They insist Israel is guilty of genocide and ethnic cleansing. The MEPs are calling on the EU to suspend its substantial trade with Israel until such time as Tel Aviv stops breaking international laws.

EU legislators are due to hold a number of debates on the crisis this week. The big question is, what difference will they make when it comes to the powers that be.


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku