Aysu Bicer
28 October 2023•Update: 29 October 2023
LONDON
Spain's acting Social Rights Minister Ione Belarra on Saturday issued a passionate appeal to the EU countries, calling on them to respond to the recent escalation of attacks by Israel in the northern region of Gaza and other areas.
"After this hellish night in Gaza, I have a very simple but very important message for European leaders. Do not make us complicit in genocide. Act. Not in our name," she said in a video message on X.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Belarra emphasized that Israel had cut off all communication channels in the Gaza Strip, alleging that this was a deliberate attempt to cover up the atrocities being committed.
She further underscored that many Europeans are growing increasingly concerned about the situation and are asking: "Is no one going to do anything about what's happening in Gaza?"
Belarra put forward several concrete measures that she believes the European nations should take.
She called for cutting diplomatic ties with Israel, imposing economic sanctions as a deterrent against those responsible for the ongoing violence, and advocating for the prosecution of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes against humanity.
The Israeli army on Friday widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7. International aid agencies said they lost contact with staff in Gaza after Israel knocked out internet and communications.
At least 7,703 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli attacks. Some 70% of the Palestinian deaths are women and children, according to official figures.
The death toll in Israel stands at more than 1,400.
Gaza's 2.3 million residents are grappling with shortages of food, water, and medicine due to Israel’s massive air bombardment and total blockade of the enclave.
The UN General Assembly called for an immediate humanitarian truce, with 120 states voting for a resolution put forward by Jordan. Israel, however, rejected it.
