EU states for 'immediate' halt in Gaza fighting

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FE Team | Published: February 20, 2024 22:26:37

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BRUSSELS, Feb 20 (AFP/AP): All EU countries except Hungary joined a call Monday for an "immediate humanitarian pause" in the Gaza war, foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.
The European Union has struggled for a united response on Israel's military operation following the October 7 attack by Hamas. But Borrell said foreign ministers from 26 states had agreed a statement calling for "an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire".
The EU countries also reiterated their calls for Israel not to launch an assault on the Gaza city of Rafah, which has become the main shelter zone in the stricken territory. Hungary is a staunch supporter of Israel and has frequently refused to go along with EU statements seen as critical of the country.
Other EU nations such as Germany have been reluctant until now to call for an "immediate" halt in Israel's operations. It has not wanted to be seen backing any move that could limit Israel's right to defend itself.
US circulates rival UN
resolution for truce
The United States has circulated a rival U.N. Security Council resolution that would support a temporary cease-fire in Gaza after rejecting an Arab-backed resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the conflict-wracked territory.
The U.S. draft resolution, obtained Monday by The Associated Press, would underscore that a temporary cease-fire "as soon as practicable" requires the release of all hostages taken from Israel after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, and calls for the lifting of all restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The U.S. draft says both of those actions "would help to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities" as called for in a resolution adopted by the council on Dec. 22.
Hamas chief in Cairo
for Gaza truce talks
Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Cairo Tuesday for talks with Egyptian officials, the militant group said, days after mediators said prospects for a new truce with Israel had dimmed.
The Qatar-based head of Hamas's political bureau will "hold discussions with Egyptian officials on the political situation and the situation in the field", a statement said.
The delegation will also discuss "efforts to stop the aggression, provide relief to citizens and achieve the goals of our Palestinian people," it added.
Norway will transfer funds
to Palestinian Authority
Norway says it will transfer tax funds to the Palestinian Authority that have been frozen for months because of a dispute with Israel.
Under interim peace agreements dating back to the early 1990s, Israel collects taxes and customs on behalf of the PA, which administers parts of the occupied West Bank and also helps pay for public services in Gaza.
After Hamas' Oct. 7 attack triggered the war in Gaza, Israel reduced the transfers by the amount that is spent on the territory. The PA refused to accept the partial transfers, even though it relies on the taxes to cover most of its budget.