Josep Borrell, the European Union's foreign policy chief, has called on Israel's allies to reduce arms supplies to the regime to alleviate the staggering civilian casualties inflicted by its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the bloc's development aid ministers in Brussels on Monday, Borrell referenced US President Joe Biden's recent remarks criticizing Israel's response to Gaza-based resistance groups' operations. Borrell highlighted the contradiction of condemning civilian deaths while continuing to provide arms to Israel, stating, "If you believe that too many people are being killed [in Gaza], maybe you should provide fewer arms in order to prevent so many deaths."

The United States, Israel's primary ally, provides the regime with $3.8 billion in military aid annually and has supplied over 10,000 tons of weapons since the start of Israel's genocidal war in response to Operation al-Aqsa Storm by Palestinian resistance groups on October 7, 2023.

Borrell emphasized the urgency of concrete action to prevent further civilian casualties, criticizing the international community's inaction despite acknowledging the excessive loss of civilian lives. He questioned the efficacy of repeatedly condemning Israel's actions without tangible efforts to halt the bloodshed.

The EU diplomat condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for disregarding international calls to protect Gaza civilians, noting Netanyahu's failure to heed demands despite an interim ruling by the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza.

Borrell expressed frustration over Netanyahu's dismissal of international appeals, particularly in light of his directive to evacuate civilians from Rafah ahead of a planned ground operation against the city. He emphasized the need for accountability and action to prevent further civilian casualties in Gaza.