BRUSSELS — Teresa Ribera, the Vice President of the European Commission, has strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s alleged intentions to assume complete control over the Gaza Strip, labeling the move an “unacceptable provocation” on social media.
In a post on Bluesky, Ribera emphasized the need for decisive action, stating,
“No excuses. The demands are simple and obvious: liberation of hostages, ceasefire, full access to humanitarian aid, full respect to human rights, transparency and condemn of the horrifying use of violence and starvation.”
Netanyahu’s military strategy and its implications
Reports indicate that during a meeting with high-ranking security officials, Netanyahu supported the escalation of Israel’s military operations to secure total control of Gaza, even at the potential expense of hostages held by Hamas. According to local sources, this meeting was intended to finalize a strategy to present to the full cabinet later this week.
Ribera, a member of Spain’s ruling Socialist Party, has been vocal in her criticism of Israel’s actions against Hamas. She previously called out EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other commissioners for their inaction regarding Gaza’s deteriorating humanitarian situation, asserting that
“history will not look the other way.”
“We are in a race against time, with people dying of hunger,” Ribera remarked last week. “Europe must react and consolidate itself as a political actor … And mobilize the principles that inspired the construction of the European project.”
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza
U.N. agencies have recently reported that the situation for Palestinians in Gaza is dire, with food consumption and nutritional standards at their lowest since the beginning of the conflict, raising fears of famine.
Netanyahu’s proposed takeover strategy follows the release of a disturbing video by Hamas, featuring an emaciated Israeli hostage claiming to be digging his own grave. This distressing footage has reignited criticism from Western leaders. It is believed that Hamas currently holds 49 hostages in Gaza, with reports suggesting that approximately half are presumed dead.
Many in Israel, including families of the hostages taken during Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict over the past 22 months to sustain his political coalition.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, the European Commission reaffirmed its position against any efforts to alter the territorial or demographic status of Gaza, particularly concerning the Israeli occupation of the region. Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper stated,
“Our position is also clear here, that Gaza must be an integral part of the future Palestinian state.”
This article has been updated with additional information.