EU Foreign Ministers Advocate for Palestinian State Amidst Israeli Rejection
In a meeting held in Brussels, European Union (EU) foreign ministers emphasized the importance of establishing a Palestinian state as the key to achieving peace in the Middle East. The ministers expressed concern over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s outright rejection of this idea. French Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Sejourne stated, “The declarations of Benjamin Netanyahu are worrying. There will be a need for a Palestinian state with security guarantees for all.” The discussion took place amidst the ongoing war in Gaza, which has caused significant casualties and raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region.
The EU, being the world’s top provider of aid to the Palestinians, holds considerable influence in the region. However, it faces challenges in exerting pressure on Israel, despite being its largest trading partner. Additionally, the 27 member countries of the EU have differing approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nevertheless, as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, there is a growing consensus among EU nations for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, highlighted the urgent situation in Gaza. She emphasized the risk of famine and epidemics and called for an end to violence. Lahbib demanded an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, adherence to international law, and a return to the peace process. She stressed that a two-state solution is the only viable path towards lasting peace in the region. However, Netanyahu remains opposed to Palestinian statehood and seeks to maintain military control over Gaza.
The dispute over Gaza’s future complicates post-war governance and reconstruction efforts. It has created a divide between the EU, the United States, and their Arab allies on one side and Israel on the other. This disagreement poses a significant obstacle to any plans for rebuilding Gaza and establishing a stable future for its residents.
To address these challenges, the EU invited the foreign ministers of Israel, the Palestinians, Egypt, Jordan, and a representative from the Arab League to participate in the talks. Notably, the Israeli and Palestinian ministers were not scheduled to meet each other. The EU ministers sought to understand Israel’s alternative proposals for resolving the conflict. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who chaired the meeting, questioned Israel’s intentions, asking, “Which are the other solutions they have in mind? To make all the Palestinians leave? To kill them off?” Borrell condemned Hamas for its attacks on southern Israel on October 7, describing them as atrocities that sow hatred for generations.
Borrell emphasized that peace and stability cannot be achieved through military means alone. Spain has proposed a peace conference to discuss post-war plans, but the timing and participation remain uncertain. While some EU member countries support this initiative, others argue that Israel’s involvement is crucial for its success. Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel stated that peace conferences would be futile without Israel’s participation. He noted that Israel is not ready to engage in such discussions as long as it perceives Hamas as a threat.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz arrived at the meeting with a focus on seeking support for Israel’s campaign to dismantle Hamas. Refusing to comment on the possibility of Palestinian statehood, Katz presented pictures of Israeli hostages and emphasized the need to restore security for Israeli citizens.
As the EU foreign ministers continue their discussions and advocate for a Palestinian state, the future of Gaza remains uncertain. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has created deep divisions among nations involved in mediating a resolution. However, the EU’s commitment to providing aid and its efforts to facilitate dialogue demonstrate its determination to play a significant role in achieving lasting peace in the region.