LOC23:42
20:42 GMT
BRUSSELS, July 15 (KUNA) -- European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday that Israel must take "more concrete steps" to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, noting that the EU will continue to monitor the implementation of the agreed commitments with biweekly updates.
Speaking at a press conference following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas stressed, "the implementation of the agreement is important. Yes, we see some worrying signs, but we also see some positive signs," adding, "The border crossings have been opened, we see more trucks coming in.
We see also reparation of the electricity network and such things. But it's clearly not enough because the situation is still untenable".
She stated that "we agreed that this briefing is done via the PSC ambassadors so every two weeks they get updates on what is the situation on the ground," explaining that EU teams are in constant contact with international actors, Israel, and neighboring countries controlling the crossing points.
Kallas said she had presented the ministers with an inventory of possible measures that could be taken, based on the review of the EU-Israel partnership conducted in June, noting "These options are on the table and stand ready if Israel does not live up to its pledges."
She also reaffirmed that a ceasefire and the release of hostages remain a priority for the EU, emphasizing that member states are prepared to take further steps if the situation does not improve, stating, "the only guarantee that we have is that the inventory with all the options by the member states is presented, and if the situation is not going to improve, then the member states are willing to take next steps."
Yesterday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, speaking during the meeting in Brussels, dismissed the possibility of further EU action against Israel, saying, "I'm sure not any of them will be adopted by the EU member states," and adding, "There's no justification whatsoever."
From his side, Irish Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne emphasized the importance of the biweekly monitoring but voiced concern about the situation on the ground.
"So far, we haven't really seen the implementation of it, maybe some very small actions, but there's still slaughter going on," he said. "So we need to see action and we need to use our leverage". (end)
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