Today’s news / Israel Encircles Gaza Hospital: Danish Call for Ceasefire

Israel Encircles Gaza Hospital: Danish Call for Ceasefire

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen urges for a ceasefire in Gaza following Israeli military encirclement of al-Shifa, Gaza’s largest functioning hospital. Ahead of an EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, he emphasizes the need for humanitarian aid. Rasmussen plans to prioritize ceasefire discussions in a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, suggesting Israel might heed American advice. EU signs increasingly indicate a desire to halt Israel’s military action against Hamas, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supporting a ‘humanitarian pause’ leading to a ceasefire. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the use of starvation as a war weapon, comparing it to actions in Ukraine. Rasmussen refrains from judging Borrell’s comments but acknowledges Israel’s responsibility for allowing aid into Gaza to prevent civilian suffering. According to him Denmark has advocated for a ceasefire requiring the release of hostages and increased aid for a long time.