Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
European Union Foreign Ministers held an informal video conference during which they discussed the situation in Israel and in the region following the recent attacks by Hamas. According to what was stated in a European statement issued in Brussels last night, it also stated that in line with the participants’ statement that was published earlier after the twenty-seventh meeting of the Joint Council between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the European Union, the European Union ministers in their internal meeting condemned the recent attacks, and called for the protection of... Restrain civilians, release hostages, and allow access to food. Water and medicines to Gaza in line with international humanitarian law, and opening humanitarian corridors.
The ministers also stressed the importance of preparing for the aftermath of the attacks, and enhancing cooperation with regional and international players with the aim of reviving the peace process in the Middle East.
The international community must seize this critical moment - and this may be a moment of awakening - in order to re-deal with the problem of Palestine and Israel. According to what the European statement quoted Josep Borrell, Supreme Coordinator for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The Ministers reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense, in full respect of international humanitarian law. The ministers then discussed how to continue cooperation with the Palestinian Authority and support the Palestinian people. Borrell also said, “We have made a clear distinction between Hamas, the Palestinian people, and the Palestinian Authority. We consider Hamas a terrorist organization […] But the Palestinian Authority is something else. The Palestinian Authority is our partner. We do not deal with With Hamas, but yes, we support, deal and work with the Palestinian Authority. Not all Palestinian people are terrorists. So collective punishment against all Palestinians would be unfair and unproductive. It would be against our interests and the interest of peace.
An overwhelming majority of ministers stated that cooperation with the Palestinian Authority should continue, and EU funds should not be stopped. The European statement concluded by saying, “The ministers agreed that the European Union will continue its engagement with all parties and maintain its financial and political support for the region. It will also ensure that its commitment A long-term political solution based on two states will survive these tragic events.