EU Commission says violators of international law must be held accountable

BRUSSELS

The European Commission, avoiding direct reference to who committed crimes in Gaza, said on Friday that "there must be accountability for violations of international law."

Responding to a question from an Anadolu correspondent on whether the EU, as in Ukraine, is also demanding accountability for war crimes in Gaza, European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said decisions on whether genocide or war crimes have been committed are for competent national and international courts to make.

El Anouni stressed that both the EU and the EU’s High Representative have repeatedly underlined that the situation in Gaza is unsustainable.

"The killing of civilians in Gaza has been indefensible, and that civilians can never be a target," he said.

When asked again by Anadolu, using the commission’s own terminology, whether the EU is calling for accountability for those responsible for making the situation in Gaza unsustainable, El Anouni recalled that the EU has consistently and firmly called on Israel to fulfill its obligations under international law.

El Anouni said the EU continues to condemn all forms of violence in the occupied Palestinian territories, while also voicing concern over the situation in Gaza and calling on Israel to improve conditions.

While asserting that Israel has the right to self-defense, El Anouni emphasized that this must be carried out in accordance with international law.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas earlier said the bloc is aware of accusations of double standards over Gaza, stressing that the EU’s underlying approach is essentially the same as in Ukraine.

She noted, however, that internal divisions among member states over the policy being pursued are constraining the outcomes the EU can deliver.

'People are still suffering in Gaza'

Responding to a question on Israel’s continued obstruction of humanitarian aid, European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova said the situation in Gaza is very serious, especially during the winter months.

Confirming that there are not enough tents to protect people and that aid trucks are being blocked at the border, Hrncirova said: "The trucks are still blocked on the borders...We continue our dialogue with Israel, with the Israeli authorities. We keep insisting, and we keep explaining to Israel what the needs of our humanitarian partners are."

Hrncirova added that contacts with the UN are ongoing, noting that there are currently no personnel on the ground, making it difficult to monitor the situation.

Pointing out that conditions in Gaza improved slightly after the ceasefire, Hrncirova warned: “The situation has improved a bit after the ceasefire, but still, people are suffering. It's not enough.”