Unfortunately, the algorithm of hate has become far more profitable than the algorithm of peace, and the battle of differing narratives between Israelis and Palestinians is spreading around the world with dramatic consequences, outgoing EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, said on Saturday in a speech at an event organised by civil society organizations from both the Israeli and Palestinian sides (“Two-State Coalition for Israel and Palestine”) at a hotel in Nicosia.
In his opening statement, Borrell said that peace needs to be built in the Middle East and that dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians is important. He added that the will for peace is part of human nature as human societies cannot be in conflict forever. He also pointed out that some benefit from the conflict in the Middle East.
He added that there should be a commitment to the two-state solution, noting that “unfortunately, the battle of different narratives between Israelis and Palestinians is spreading around the world, fuelling incitement to violence, spreading anti-Semitism and anti-Muslimism, and in the end turning against humanity”. He pointed out that toxic messages find fertile ground because, tragically, the hate algorithm has become far more profitable than the peace algorithm.
HR/VP @JosepBorrellF at the meeting of the Two-State Coalition for Israel and Palestine in Cyprus on Saturday: “We have to support the voices of peace, confront the spoilers, champion the truth, protect international law & the UN, and use EU leverage.” pic.twitter.com/RSZa2SCSYE
— European External Action Service – EEAS 🇪🇺 (@eu_eeas) November 24, 2024
Keynote speech by HR/VP Josep Borrell at the Two-State Coalition for Israel/Palestine event in Cyprus
Speaking about the conflict in the Middle East, Borrell warned that this conflict could lead all of humanity into the abyss. “In Gaza, we’re already seeing it, but it’s not just in Gaza, the consequences could be very damaging and very dangerous for the whole world,” he said.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said he continues to work on the peace process noting that at the last UN General Assembly a coalition for the implementation of the two-state solution was launched announcing that on November 28 in Brussels he will chair the technical working groups.
He noted that as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy it was never easy for him to represent the EU due to the different positions of the member states.
“You only have to look at the reactions to the recent decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and you will see how different the positions are within the EU,” Borrell said, pointing out that the decisions of the ICC must be applied by the states of the Union, but also by countries wishing to join the EU.
Borrell criticized the Israeli Prime Minister that “his government has imposed the biggest media blackout in the history of press freedom”, paying tribute to journalists, lawyers and doctors, both Israeli and Palestinian, who try to report the truth.
He highlighted the need to protect and apply international law and to counter terrorism. He also highlighted the role of UNRWA, saying that disinformation about its work must stop, noting that “240 UN workers have been killed since October 2023.”
Borrell referred to the need for unanimity and unity within the EU to address the challenges and the role the Union should play in the Middle East region.
Also read: Situation in Northern Gaza increasingly resembles ethnic cleansing, says Borrell
Source: CNA/ZSO/EG
