2025-05-05T14:42:08Z

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In a recent statement made during a press briefing, El Anouni addressed a pressing question from POLITICO regarding the European Union's potential response to Israel's actions in the ongoing conflict. When asked if the EU was contemplating sanctions should Israel choose to ignore its repeated calls for restraint, El Anouni responded, “I will not enter into any speculations on any foresight or any reactions that we might have. But our position is quite clear, and we will be re-calling it as much as necessary.”

El Anouni emphasized the EU’s unwavering stance, stating, “We are not asking nicely, we are repeating our call.” This statement underscores the EU's growing frustration with the current situation in the Middle East, particularly in light of the humanitarian crisis that has emerged as a result of ongoing hostilities.

Meanwhile, the Israeli security Cabinet, which is a select group within Israel’s broader Cabinet tasked with making critical decisions regarding foreign and defense policy, has taken steps that may further complicate the humanitarian landscape. They have given preliminary approval for the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries, albeit through private companies. This decision has received immediate backlash from the United Nations, which warned that such a move would violate fundamental humanitarian principles. The UN has made it clear that it will not collaborate with any efforts that could undermine these principles.

Amidst this backdrop, reports indicate that a new military phase of operations is imminent in the region. This escalation is anticipated to commence following U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, scheduled for May 13-16. The timing of this military action raises concerns, especially given the United Nations' prior warnings regarding "serious violations" of international law occurring in Gaza. The situation has reached a critical point, with Israel's military operations reportedly resulting in the tragic loss of over 50,000 lives since Hamas initiated a violent attack on October 7, 2023.

In a notable declaration, Israel’s hard-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, publicly stated during a conference that Israel is prepared to take significant military action, asserting, “We are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip. We will stop being afraid of the word ‘occupation.’” This statement not only reflects the government's hardline stance but also signals a potential shift in Israel’s approach to its operations in Gaza, igniting fears of deeper conflict and further humanitarian crises.