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Borrell asks to avoid a war of “unknown proportions” in the Middle East

by AI | 06.Aug 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Borrell has stated that the tensions in the Middle East bring the situation “to the brink of a war of unknown proportions” and has called to “avoid another catastrophe” emphasizing his support for the ceasefire in Gaza.

The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares (left) and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell (right), during an event on Europe Day, at the Ateneo de Madrid, on May 9, 2024, in Madrid (Spain). Photo: Alberto Ortega / Europa Press

Brussels – The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, warned on Tuesday of rising tensions in the Middle East and warned that a war of “unknown proportions” in the area must be avoided.

Amid rising tensions in Lebanon and Iran’s threat to respond to the attack on its own territory that killed the political leader of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Ismail Haniye, the European diplomat chief has assured that regional tensions are bringing the situation “to the brink of a war of unknown proportions.”

“We must all avoid another catastrophe. The way forward is highly agreed upon: ceasefire in Gaza, now,” Borrell stated, underscoring the need to stop the Israeli offensive launched after Hamas’ unprecedented attacks on October 7.

In this regard, the High Representative indicated that those actors who obstruct efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region will have to be held accountable.

Recently, Iranian authorities have argued that Israel must receive a “harsh response” to make clear that its actions in the region will have a “high cost,” referring to Haniye’s death last week in Tehran.

In the same vein, the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and the European Union, José Manuel Albares, expressed yesterday before his Jordanian counterpart, Ayman al Safadi, the “risk of escalation” in the Middle East and the “need” to make “every possible effort” to prevent the regional spread of violence and reach an agreement for a ceasefire.

This was explained by the Spanish minister in a message on the social network X, where he warned of the need to make “every possible effort” to prevent the regional spread of violence. “A ceasefire agreement is necessary to stop this spiral and avoid more deaths,” he emphasized.

Al Safadi has also held telephone conversations with the Norwegian Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide; with the Lebanese Foreign Minister, Abdullah Bu Habib; and with the British Foreign Minister, David Lammy, according to a statement from the ministry led by Al Safadi. (August 5 and 6)