The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for foreign policy and security, Josep Borrell, warned today that the war in Gaza has spread to Jerusalem (Al-Quds) and the West Bank, as well as to Lebanon.
“Since the summer, violence has spread in the West Bank in Jerusalem and on the border between Lebanon and Israel,” Borrell told a news conference in Brussels after an informal meeting of EU defense ministers.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, Borrell pointed out that the Israeli operations “weakened Hamas significantly”, but that the extent of the consequences, destruction and human losses have yet to be revealed.
“The war caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, which in turn led to an extremely serious health crisis. “The conflict is spreading to the West Bank and Jerusalem, because they are at the heart of the conflict,” Borrell said.
The Israeli army on Wednesday launched its biggest military offensive since 2002 on the towns of Tulkarm and Jenin, as well as the Al Fara refugee camp near Tubas, killing 20 Palestinians, according to Palestinian figures.
Tensions are rising across the occupied West Bank amid Israel’s brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 40,600 Palestinians, mostly women and children, since October 7 last year.
At least 670 Palestinians have since been killed, nearly 5,400 wounded, and over 10,300 arrested in the occupied territory, according to Palestinian figures.
Noting that the international community has generally failed to stop the war in Gaza, Borrell revealed that a high-level meeting could be held during the UN General Assembly in September with the participation of Arab countries, the US and any party that wants to participate, including Israel, AA writes.
