Borrell: Hamas leader’s death brings ‘new perspective’ for Gaza ceasefire
The death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, considered the architect of the attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, opens up “a new perspective” for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, according to the European Union’s senior foreign policy representative.
Josep Borrell made the comments on Saturday on the sidelines of a meeting of G7 defence ministers in Naples. He is also responsible for the common defence policy of the 27 EU countries.
“After the death of Yahya Sinwar, a new perspective opens up that we must seize to obtain a ceasefire in Gaza and free the hostages,” Borrell said, suggesting a “political solution” to the war. Sinwar was killed by the Israeli army on Wednesday night.
Besides ending the violence, Sinwar’s death should eventually be able to open the door to more humanitarian aid for Gaza, he said. On Friday, he spoke of a “turning point in the Middle East” in response to Sinwar’s death.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who learned of the Hamas leader’s death at last Thursday’s European summit, described it as “a significant weakening” of the militant group.
For Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, Sinwar’s death “does not mean the end of the war in Gaza, but rather the beginning of the end”.
Josep Borrell addresses journalists at the G7 ministers' meeting on defence in Naples, Italy, 19 October 2024 © PHOTO ALESSANDRO GAROFALO / LAPRESSE
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