"The existing drones’ regime to impose sanctions on Iran in to cover missiles and their potentials – for the time being, it has not happened – but their potential transfer to Russia. This includes the same system that we did for Russia. It includes missile production.
Secondly, it expands the geographical area of this framework to cover drones and missiles deliveries, not only to Russia, but to the whole region of the Middle East and the Red Sea. And thirdly, to expand the list of prohibited drone components," Borrel explained.
European Union sanctions announced following Iran's attack against Israel are "regrettable" because the country was acting in self-defense, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, Borrell highlighted the lack of progress, stating, "So, the three things that we need – release of hostages, cease-fire, (and easing of the) humanitarian catastrophe – (I am) sorry to say, there is no progress in any of them – no significant progress."
He further emphasized the obstruction of humanitarian support, stating, "It is clear that it is being hindered, he provided us with concrete examples. So, there is no easing of the humanitarian support, so the humanitarian catastrophe for the Palestinian people continues."
Borrell added, "I want to insist that there is not going to be lasting stability in the region as long as the war in Gaza continues."
He also mentioned the Review Group report on Israeli allegations about the UNRWA, stating that they were waiting for it.
A report led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna revealed early Monday that Israel has not backed up claims about UNRWA staffers.
"Let’s hope that the study of the Catherine Colonna’s Review Group will allow everybody, and in particular, the funding coming from the European Commission, to go back to UNRWA," Borrell said.
The claims that 12 of the agency's employees directly took part in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas had led to a massive funding deficit for the as several donor countries announced cuts. Some countries later revised their decision and resumed funding to the agency amid a crippling humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave.
Source: Newsroom