European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took time to clarify that Israel’s right to defend itself against civilian targets following Hamas’ October 7 attacks in the south of the country was being exercised in accordance with international humanitarian law should be . The transition from the original position, which was fully focused on the right of defense of the Jewish State, to the current position is witnessed not only by the public statements of the President, but also by the minutes of the meetings of the Jewish State College of Commissioners on the 11th and 17th October, consulted by Adnkronos. High Representative Josep Borrell was absent from both meetings and was busy abroad. Von der Leyen’s initial position, which was entirely pro-Israel without providing further details, would have greatly angered Borrell and provoked criticism even within the Commission’s services, prompting hundreds of officials to sign a letter of protest.
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Several member states were also surprised by von der Leyen’s statements in one area, namely foreign policy, for which the Council is responsible. On October 11, von der Leyen emphasized to the Israeli ambassador to the EU, Haim Regev, who was invited to the meeting, that the Union “strongly condemns the recent terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel.” It was a heinous crime and an unprecedented act of war.” The President, the minutes say, “reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering solidarity with Israel and underlined Israel’s right to defend itself.” The President “expressed her full support for Isaac Herzog , the head of the State of Israel,” and emphasized that over the weekend “the Berlaymont building and other European monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Brandenburg Gate were illuminated with light colors.” Israel as a sign of solidarity.” The President then invited the Collegium “to observe a minute’s silence in memory of the victims”.
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For von der Leyen, the October 7 attacks represented “a tragedy for Israel, the Jewish people and Europe, reminiscent of the darkest moments of our history.” This act of terror – he added – could in no way be justified by the legitimate aspirations of the be justified by the Palestinian people; On the contrary, this horrific attack, for which Hamas alone is responsible, will bring even more suffering to the innocent Palestinians. Even if the EU’s humanitarian aid is in no way called into question, it is still necessary to carefully examine financial assistance to Palestine, since the EU has never financed a terrorist group and will never finance it.” For the President “there is “no contradiction between expressing unwavering solidarity with Israel and reaffirming commitment to meeting the humanitarian needs of Palestinians.”
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