European Union
Gideon Sa’ar was provided with a rare opportunity to meet directly with counterparts from foreign ministries across 27 countries.
French MP Rima Hassan and delegation leader MP Lynn Boylan, along with two EU staffers, were sent back to Brussels.
“A decision by Hamas not to release the hostages is essentially a decision to return to war,” the foreign minister told visiting European Union ambassadors.
The European Union, through its 27 member states, is UNRWA’s third-largest donor.
“We will never forget the 6 million Jews murdered in cold blood,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The €1 million will go to a Palestinian organization likening the Gaza war to crucifixion and calling Israel’s actions “genocide.”
“To not know the fate of your loved ones is unbearable,” said E.U. foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas
The foreign minister also expressed hope for improved relations under Kaja Kallas, the new E.U. High Representative.
“The Houthis pose a threat not only to Israel but to the region and the entire world,” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said in a statement.
The summit will be followed by the first high-level dialogue with the Palestinian Authority.
Josep Borrell’s five-year tenure was marked by incessant criticism of Israel and a lack of action against Iranian-backed terrorism.
The pro-E.U. Volt movement supported a motion accusing Israel of genocide shortly after its leader denied Muslim immigration is tied to antisemitism.
