EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell Fontelles strongly criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s remarks, which he described as "inciting war crimes," supporting the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s position on the issue.

Borrell stated, “While the world demands a cease-fire in Gaza, Minister Ben-Gvir calls for cutting fuel and aid to civilians. Like the ominous statements from Minister Smotrich, this is incitement to war crimes. Sanctions must be on the EU agenda.”

While the World pushes for a ceasefire in #Gaza, Min. Ben Gvir calls for cutting fuel & aid to civilians.

Like Min. Smotrich sinister statements, this is an incitement to war crimes. Sanctions must be on our EU agenda.

I support UN @Volker_Turk in his strong condamnations. 1/2

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) August 11, 2024

On Sunday, Ben-Gvir criticized the idea of continuing negotiations for a hostage deal and cease-fire with Hamas, calling it a capitulation to the Palestinian movement. He reiterated his calls for halting fuel and humanitarian aid to Gaza.

A week earlier, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had suggested it was "justified and moral" for Israel to starve 2 million Palestinians, remarks that were also condemned by Volker Türk.