Mr. Barry Andrews:

The European Union has a crucial role to play here. If the EU can at least agree on one thing, which is humanitarian access into Gaza, that would be a really good start. Unfortunately, the European Union has demonstrated complete double standards when it comes to its approach to Ukraine, in respect of ICC arrest warrants in that regard, and in making sure that there is full support for Ukraine in the face of aggression. In contrast, the EU has been silent on the ICJ's decision on the illegality of the West Bank settlements and has said nothing about the ICC. Sanctions have been imposed by the US and there are options available to the EU but they are not being exercised. Unfortunately, the perception of the EU internationally is very negative. The European Union's credibility has been really undermined by this last episode, and it has had implications for international humanitarian law. The United Nations would have looked to the European Union as a reliable partner for making sure that it would back up the institutions and all the elements that make up international law but, unfortunately, that has been lost. Currently, the United Nations is undergoing reform, some of it enforced by the massive reduction in funding, not just from the United States but also from EU member states. It has embarked on the UN80 initiative. It will probably merge some of its agencies, but ultimately the UN Security Council requires drastic reform. There should be African member states. It is a 1945 answer to a question nobody is asking any more. The P5 has full responsibility and that must change.