Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell delivered a strong criticism of Israel, alleging that the government is carrying out genocide in Gaza. He described this as the largest ethnic cleansing operation since World War II, with the intention of transforming Gaza into a prime tourist destination.
Borrell, who served as the EU’s chief diplomat from 2019 to 2024 and was the European Parliament’s president from 2004 to 2007, expressed dissatisfaction with the EU’s lack of action to influence Israel’s policies.
During his remarks while receiving the Charles v. European award in Spain, where he spoke in front of prominent officials including King Felipe, Borrell stated that while Israel is afraid due to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, this cannot justify the suffering inflicted upon the people of Gaza.
He claimed, “We are witnessing the largest ethnic cleansing operation since World War II, all while creating a vacation hotspot after millions of tons of rubble are cleared from Gaza, where Palestinians are dying or disappearing.”
The former diplomat accused Israel of disregarding the rules of conflict and utilizing starvation in Gaza as a “weapon of war.” Borrell noted, “Gaza has experienced three times the explosive power of the Hiroshima bomb, and for months now, nothing has entered Gaza. There’s simply nothing—no water, food, electricity, fuel, or medical assistance.”
He remarked on the statements made by Israeli leaders, characterizing them as a clear indication of genocidal intent, saying, “It’s not often you hear leaders clearly outline plans that fit the legal definition of genocide.”
Borrell urged Europe to fulfill its moral and humanitarian obligations regarding Gaza. He posited, “Europe has the means to not only protest but also exert influence. We provide half of the bombs falling in Gaza. If we genuinely believe too many lives are at stake, we should reduce arms supplies and insist on adherence to international humanitarian law instead of merely lamenting the situation.”
Reflecting on global politics, the veteran socialist also mentioned the current geopolitical turmoil, attributing the disruption of the world order since 1945 to Vladimir Putin. He depicted Putin as a tyrant increasingly dangerous due to his military setbacks in Ukraine.
Borrell raised the concern about Europe’s future and its security without the protection that its traditional allies have provided. He emphasized the need for Europe to shift from a passive stance to actively establishing autonomy in defense matters, stating, “We must evolve past the complacent reliance on the United States for our security to build European sovereignty.”
He concluded by asserting that Europe no longer leads or documents world history, suggesting, “Today’s history is influenced by imported dynamics, evident from the Russian forces advancing toward Kyiv and the resilience of Ukrainians, as well as US voters bringing Trump back to power.”
He characterized the current historical narrative as centered on the rivalry between the US and China, adding, “Today’s historical figures are Trump, Putin, and Xi Jinping—none of whom are European.”
