European Union foreign policy coordinator Josep Borrell stressed on Monday the need for the bloc to exert pressure on Israel to stop its war on Gaza, ignoring calls to respect international law.

This came in press statements on the sidelines of a meeting held by European Union foreign ministers in Brussels, to discuss a proposal submitted by Borrell to suspend political dialogue with Israel for its failure to respect international law in its war on the Strip for more than a year.

The political dialogue between the European Union and Israel is regulated by the partnership agreement between the two sides that entered into force in 2000, and its suspension does not mean the suspension of the partnership agreement between the two sides, according to EU diplomats.

Borrell's proposal includes a ban on the import of Israeli products produced in Israeli settlement factories established on the occupied Palestinian territories (meaning after 1967, over which the international community does not recognize Israel's authority).

"We must acknowledge the failure of our approach and apply international laws without discrimination," Borrell said.

He added: "I no longer have words to explain and describe what is happening in the Middle East. I no longer have words to express the magnitude of the tragedy in Gaza."

He explained that "more than 44 thousand people were killed in Gaza, 70 percent of whom were women and children."

Borrell renewed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call to stop the war on Gaza and Lebanon.

Regarding his proposal to suspend political dialogue with Israel, Borrell said: “We must put pressure on the Israeli government to stop the war in Gaza.”

In this context, he added: "We will consider not purchasing products from Israeli settlements that are manufactured in the occupied Palestinian territories."

He stressed, "Until the last day of my term, I will continue to encourage member states (of the European Union) to support the establishment of a Palestinian state, not only in words but in deeds."

For his part, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, "It is in Israel's interest for settlements in the West Bank to stop."

He said that "the European Union will consider imposing sanctions on those who destabilize the Middle East."

"We are preparing for a third round of sanctions against institutions or settlers who participated in acts of violence against Palestinians," Baro added.

In turn, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib praised Borrell for his "unrelenting struggle to stop the Israeli war on Gaza and Lebanon."

Lahbib expressed her "concern over the developments and the catastrophic situation in Lebanon, as well as in Gaza, which is witnessing an outbreak of famine."

"In the face of this, we have no choice but to defend international law, which is being violated more and more, and international agreements, which are being ignored," she said.

She stated that she would call for a meeting with Israel as an important economic partner, stressing that this partnership must respect all the provisions of its agreement, including Article Two.

"It is very important that we are able to raise a unified voice to defend international values and the foundations of the European Union," Lahbib continued.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said, "There is no justification for humanitarian aid not reaching Gaza."