EU foreign policy chief warns against further escalation in the West Bank

Brussels, May 11, 2021:  Josep Borell, the EU foreign policy chief has said that the recent upsurge in violence in the West Bank is a significant threat to stability not just in the immediate environment of Gaza and east Jerusalem but also to the entire region.

Borell said the escalation needs to be toned down immediately and that all world leaders have responsibility to act against elements of extremism. He adopted an actively disapproving stance against the firing of rockets by Hamas from Gaza against the civilian populations in Israel, calling them unacceptable and incendiary.

Earlier this week, Israel had carried out a massive attack on Muslim worshipers in the compound of the Al Aqsa Masjid, turning the place into a battlefield. The attack resulted in over 200 people injured via rubber bullets and grenades. Following the attack on the congregation of worshipers in the Al Aqsa Masjid, Israel has also launched deadly air strikes on Gaza.

The rising tensions from continued clashes between the two sides is irresponsible and needs to stop according to Borell, with the EU ratcheting up calls to both sides to step away from the violence. Borell also said that the status quo in the holy sites must be maintained and respected by all stakeholders and that de-escalation is the only way forward. He highlighted the importance of preserving the lives of ordinary civilians on both sides.

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