Current:Home > NewsEU nations condemn Hamas for what they describe as use of hospitals, civilians as ‘human shields’ -Blueprint Wealth Network
EU nations condemn Hamas for what they describe as use of hospitals, civilians as ‘human shields’
View
Date:2025-04-27 13:37:35
BRUSSELS (AP) — The 27 European Union nations have jointly condemned Hamas for what they described as the use of hospitals and civilians as “human shields” in the war against Israel.
EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said Monday that at the same time the bloc asked Israel “for maximum restraint and targeting in order to avoid human casualties.”
At a meeting of the bloc’s foreign affairs ministers, Borrell brandished a statement he issued on behalf of the 27 nations as a show of unity following weeks of often contrasting statements on how the group should address the Israel-Hamas war.
“You know how difficult it has been the last times, after the vote in the United Nations, where countries were voted in different ways, to present a completely united approach,” Borrell said. Only hours after EU leaders professed unity over the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 28, the member states were totally split in a vote on a General Assembly resolution calling for humanitarian truces in Gaza leading to a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Now, though, the EU nations said in a statement they join “calls for immediate pauses in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors, including through increased capacity at border crossings and through a dedicated maritime route, so that humanitarian aid can safely reach the population of Gaza.”
And they reiterated their “call on Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. It is crucial that the International Committee of the Red Cross is granted access to the hostages.”
It added that “the EU condemns the use of hospitals and civilians as human shields by Hamas.”
The nations stopped short of calling for a cease-fire.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said she understood “the impetus for a cease-fire.” But she said those who seek one must answer questions “for example, how can the demand for a cease-fire, acutely, and now in this terrible situation guarantee that Israel’s security is assured? What happens with the 200 hostages, and who negotiates it in a situation where negotiations barely seem possible?”
___
Associated Press writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
veryGood! (63477)
Related
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- When does Spirit Christmas open? What to know about Spirit Halloween’s new holiday venture
- Vegas Sphere reports revenue decline despite hosting UFC 306, Eagles residency
- Elena Rose has made hits for JLo, Becky G and more. Now she's stepping into the spotlight.
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Lady Gaga Joins Wednesday Season 2 With Jenna Ortega, So Prepare to Have a Monster Ball
- Amazon Prime Video to stream Diamond Sports' regional networks
- GreenBox Systems will spend $144 million to build an automated warehouse in Georgia
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Taylor Swift drops Christmas merchandise collection, including for 'Tortured Poets' era
Ranking
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Mississippi woman pleads guilty to stealing Social Security funds
- At age 44, Rich Hill's baseball odyssey continues - now with Team USA
- How to protect your Social Security number from the Dark Web
- Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
- 3 Iraqis tortured at Abu Ghraib win $42M judgement against defense contractor
- Elton John Details Strict Diet in His 70s
- US overdose deaths are down, giving experts hope for an enduring decline
Recommendation
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
Human head washes ashore on Florida beach, police investigating: reports
Flurry of contract deals come as railroads, unions see Trump’s election looming over talks
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul VIP fight package costs a whopping $2M. Here's who bought it.
Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
The Office's Kate Flannery Defends John Krasinski's Sexiest Man Alive Win
At age 44, Rich Hill's baseball odyssey continues - now with Team USA
2 credit unions in Mississippi and Louisiana are planning to merge