Josep Borrell: Solution in Israel-Palestine must be 'imposed from outside'

The international community must "impose" a solution to the conflict in Israel and Palestine, according to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

"What we have learned over the last 30 years, and what we are learning now with the tragedy experienced in Gaza, is that the solution must be imposed from outside," Borrell told diplomats in Portugal on Wednesday.

"Peace will only be achieved in a lasting manner if the international community gets involved intensely to achieve it and imposes a solution," he said, making reference specifically to the US, Europe and Arab countries.   

He warned that the conflict could escalate after the Israeli killing of Saleh al-Arouri, deputy leader of Hamas, in a drone strike in Beirut on Tuesday.

"What happened yesterday with the death of one of the leaders of Hamas is yet another factor that could push the conflict to escalate," Borrell said, adding he had planned to visit Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East to "explore ways out" of the war.

Borrell added that he would present a proposal to EU member states to create a mission to aid security in the Red Sea. It will be presented on Thursday and would require unanimity among member states to be approved, he said.