“Israel may be a friend of Europe, but Israel must also understand that what is currently happening in Gaza is humanely unacceptable”, Frieden told reporters on Monday at the summit.
“I want to have two populations living alongside one another in peace, freedom and security”, he continued. “That dialogue must be conducted with Israel, which is why Kaja Kallas has a mandate to do so.”
Frieden also addressed support for Ukraine, as EU heads of state and government are set to discuss further sanctions against Russia. “We have to put pressure on those who do not want peace. Sanctions are in place to increase that pressure, but sanctions are not everything. In the medium term, I think we also need to consider whether unanimity on foreign policy issues can persist.”
Thus far, Hungary and Slovakia have failed to support tougher sanctions against Russia. It remains to be seen whether both countries can be convinced to do so at this week’s summit.
