The situation in Gaza is “apocalyptic” for the civilian population, European foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned today, for whom the level of destruction in the Palestinian enclave is proportionately higher than that of Germany during World War II.

“Unfortunately, the level of destruction of buildings in Gaza is almost, or even greater than, the destruction suffered by German cities during World War II,” Borrell told the EU foreign ministers’ council in Brussels.

The Spanish official presented reporters with a “catastrophic” picture of the situation in Gaza, saying the level of human suffering was an “unprecedented challenge”.

The 27 diplomatic chiefs today discussed additional sanctions against Hamas, based on a proposal put forward by France, Italy and Germany. “There was no objection,” Borrell said, adding that he will make a proposal in this direction at the 27th.

He also said possible sanctions against Israeli extremists in the West Bank were discussed. There was no unanimity, he clarified, adding that he would make at least one proposal to the member states.

EU countries, for their part, called for a lasting ceasefire in the fighting in Gaza.

“We must immediately call on all sides to declare a lasting humanitarian ceasefire, which could lead to an end to hostilities,” officials from Ireland, Spain, Malta and Belgium said in a letter to President Charles Michel of the European Council — an institution representing the 27 member states.

This move is aimed at “putting an end to the slaughter of innocent citizens”, Irish Foreign Minister Michal Martin explained upon his arrival in Brussels.

These four countries are calling for the EU to take a strong stance on the issue at a summit of heads of state and government on Thursday and Friday in Brussels.

The war between Israel and Hamas erupted after the Palestinian Islamist movement’s unprecedented October 7 attack on Israeli soil killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Of the 240 kidnapped, 137 remain hostages in the Gaza Strip.

In retaliation, Israel has vowed to “exterminate” Hamas. Its devastating bombings and a major ground operation have so far killed 18,205 people, most of them women and children under 18, according to the health ministry. of Hamas.