BRUSSELS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Monday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, declaring it as "the only way" to secure the release of hostages and de-escalating the "dangerous" situation there.
Marking the one-year anniversary of the current Gaza conflict, Borrell emphasized the global threat posed by the ongoing violence, pledging to work with international partners toward a ceasefire. "The people in the region are more insecure than ever and are caught in an unending cycle of violence, hatred, and revenge," he said.
Borrell highlighted the devastating toll of the conflict, noting that over 41,000 people, predominantly women and children, have been killed, while most Gazans have been displaced, with large portions of the enclave reduced to rubble by intense bombings. The population is suffering from hunger and disease as Israel maintains its siege of the Gaza Strip.
"The scars run deep, and the Palestinian people cannot see any future unless their rights are respected," he added.
He said the EU "deplores and rejects" the escalating violence in the Middle East, including Hezbollah's rocket launches, Israeli bombardments in Lebanon, the displacement of over one million Lebanese and 60,000 Israelis, increased tensions from Iranian missile attacks, and the "worrying" developments in the West Bank.
Borrell reaffirmed the EU's commitment to diplomacy, stating: "The time for a ceasefire is now." He emphasized that the Oct. 7 anniversary only strengthens the EU's resolve to achieve a regional ceasefire.
Warning of the potential for a "complete conflagration" across the Middle East, which continues to worsen, he underscored that military actions will not bring lasting peace to Israel and Palestine. "Only a political solution will bring peace, security, and prosperity," he stated.
Recent reports from Gaza health authorities put the death toll at 41,909 Palestinians, with 97,303 injured. Some experts suggested that the actual figures could be significantly higher.
