Former EU Officials Urge Global ‘Pressure’ for ‘Permanent Peace’

 

The group emphasized the role of the EU in the supply of humanitarian aid and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.

A group of over 400 former EU and Member State officials has called for “a permanent peace” following the start of the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan, saying “maximum international pressure” must be exerted on all parties “to de-escalate to ensure a sustainable peace backed up by an empowering UN Security Council Resolution.”

“The current fragile ceasefire in Gaza must be the start of a permanent end of violence: under no circumstances should hostilities resume,” the 414 officials, including former ministers and ambassadors, from over 10 EU member states, said in a statement this week.

They said the first priority must be “a full and uninhibited” resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza in accordance with humanitarian principles and ensuring there will be no further risks of malnutrition and starvation.

“The EU must earmark significant resources for aid and reconstruction – including under the new EU Pact for the Mediterranean – and work collaboratively and at pace with the UN, most notably with UNRWA which should be immediately permitted by Israel to provide aid to Gaza,” together with NGOs and other credible organizations, the officials stressed.

They emphasized that critical supplies of food, water, shelter, medical and sanitation items need to be delivered urgently and “hospitals and utilities rehabilitated immediately.  (more...)

Former EU Officials Urge Global ‘Pressure’ for ‘Permanent Peace’