EU foreign policy chief to visit Middle East to discuss Gaza

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The EU foreign policy chief on Monday said he will travel to Israel and Arab countries to discuss the conflict in Gaza with regional leaders.

"I will travel to Israel, Palestine, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar & Jordan this week to discuss humanitarian access & assistance & political issues with regional leaders," Josep Borrell wrote on X.

"We need a political horizon looking towards the two state solution. This can only be achieved through dialogue."

His announcement came amid the worsening situation in the Gaza Strip, where more than 11,000 people have been killed by Israeli attacks.

In a statement on Sunday, Borrell expressed "grave concern" about the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an "immediate pauses in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors."

The EU has been criticized for not calling for a cease-fire despite the dire humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave, where crucial supplies such as food, water and fuel are critically low.

As the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip entered its 38th day, at least 11,180 Palestinians have been killed, including over 7,700 children and women, and more than 28,200 others injured, according to the latest figures by Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave since last month.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is nearly 1,200, according to official figures after a downwards revision.