Brussels - Saba:
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaya Kallas has said Israel's goal is to seize the entire Gaza Strip, stressing the need to increase pressure on Tel Aviv.
This came during a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday, where Israel's practices in Gaza were described for the first time as "genocide."
The session, titled "Stop Genocide in Gaza: Time for European Sanctions," was initiated by the 46-member European Left group, and attended by Kallas, who faced harsh criticism from the MPs during the session.
Kallas noted that Israel's practices have gone beyond mere self-defense.
She emphasized that the food and medicine blockade imposed on Palestinians in Gaza "has not protected Israel but has undermined decades of humanitarian principles."
She noted that 90 percent of Gaza's population has been displaced, while the rest are entirely dependent on humanitarian aid, stressing that "the humanitarian situation is deteriorating."
Callas stated that Israel has used excessive force and destroyed civilian infrastructure, resulting in "massive loss of life."
She continued: "Israel has declared that its goal is to control the entire Gaza Strip. Any change, reduction, or annexation of territory is a direct violation of international law."
She added: "If all or part of the civilian population in Gaza is permanently displaced from their homes, this would also constitute a violation of international law."
Callas added: "Pressure on Israel must be increased. I will do so myself, as I have done many times before."
On May 20, the European Union, at the suggestion of the Netherlands, decided to review the Association Agreement with Israel, which grants trade privileges to Jaffa (Tel Aviv).
Callas is scheduled to announce the results of this review at the European foreign ministers' meeting on June 23.
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