Former EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell has strongly condemned the killing of 550 Palestinians in Gaza by what he described as “American mercenaries,” accusing the European Commission and the Council of Europe of shameful silence. In a post on X, Borrell criticised the deaths of starving civilians targeted while seeking food at distribution points controlled by the U.S.- and Israel-backed “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.”

Calling the situation “terrible,” Borrell directly tagged the EU’s top institutions, highlighting their failure to act as these “death trap” aid points continue to claim lives. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 652 Palestinians have been killed and more than 4,500 injured at these sites since May 27.

The controversial aid mechanism bypasses UN oversight and, according to rights groups, functions more as a tool of control than relief, often drawing desperate civilians into fatal ambushes. Borrell’s remarks spotlight growing concern over Europe’s complicity through silence, as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens.

Known for his outspoken stance, Borrell has long criticised Israel’s conduct and the European Commission’s unwavering support for it, especially under Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership. His departure from office in December 2024 has only sharpened his rhetoric.

His latest call challenges Europe to break its silence and confront the political and ethical failure of ignoring civilian massacres dressed as humanitarian relief.