Spain’s Ribera Criticizes EU Inaction Amid Gaza Crisis
Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Teresa Ribera has condemned the European Union’s failure to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, labeling the situation as dire. On July 30, she publicly criticized EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the College of Commissioners, asserting that “history will not look the other way,” reports 24brussels.
In her statements last week, Ribera emphasized the urgent need for action, declaring, “We are in a race against time, with people dying of hunger. Europe must react and consolidate itself as a political actor … And mobilize the principles that inspired the construction of the European project.”
U.N. agencies have recently warned that Palestinians in Gaza are facing extreme food shortages, with nutrition indicators dropping to unprecedented lows since the onset of the current conflict.
Concerns regarding the situation intensified following reports on Monday about proposed actions by the Israeli government. These plans faced opposition from army chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, as per local media. Nevertheless, Netanyahu’s office stated on X following a meeting that the Israeli army is “prepared to carry out any decision made by the Security Cabinet.”
The proposed actions come after Hamas released a video showing an Israeli hostage in a distressing state, claiming he is digging his own grave. This follows another video from Hamas ally Palestinian Islamic Jihad depicting a different hostage in a similarly emaciated and tearful condition. Such footage has drawn condemnation from Western leaders. Reports indicate that Hamas likely holds 49 hostages in Gaza, with around half believed to be deceased.
Amid growing frustration, many Israelis, including relatives of hostages taken during Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, have accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of extending the conflict to preserve his political coalition.
