BRUSSELS: European Union (EU) foreign ministers on Monday pressed Israel for an eventual two-state solution with the Palestinians after the war in Gaza. The EU’s diplomatic push comes as part of discussions with top diplomats from Israel, Palestine, and key Arab states in Brussels.
The surprise attack by Hamas on October 7th and Israel’s subsequent military response have escalated tensions in the region, sparking fears about the potential for a broader conflict.
During the meetings, the 27 EU ministers first engaged with Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, before holding separate talks with Riyad al-Maliki, the top diplomat from the Palestinian Authority. Foreign ministers from key Arab states also participated in discussions with their European counterparts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite facing condemnation from the United Nations, has rejected calls for a Palestinian state, defying even the United States, a key supporter. The ongoing relentless Israeli bombardment in Gaza has killed more than 25,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized that “peace and stability cannot be built only by military means” and questioned the alternatives Israel had in mind, urging consideration beyond military actions.
Israel Evades Questions on Two-State Solution
While Israel’s Foreign Minister Katz evaded questions on a potential two-state solution, asserting Israel’s focus on returning hostages and ensuring its security, the EU reiterated its support for a two-state resolution.
“The two-state solution is the only solution, and even those who don’t want to know about it have not yet come up with any other alternative,” stated German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
Borrell circulated a “comprehensive approach,” suggesting the international community hold a conference to devise a peace plan to be presented to both Israelis and Palestinians. The proposal outlined consequences for engagement or non-engagement with the peace plan by either side.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi criticized Israel’s actions, asserting that their undermining of the two-state solution would lead to more conflicts and wars in the region. He emphasized that the global consensus supports the two-state solution as the way forward.
“The whole world is saying the only way out of this misery is the two-state solution. So the party who’s standing against the rights of all peoples of the region, including Israelis, to have peace cannot just be left unaccountable,” Safadi said.
