Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Following discussions held by the leaders of the European Union countries in Brussels on Thursday, the leaders issued a statement on the situation in the Middle East. The statement, which was issued early on Friday, said: “The European Council reiterates its strong condemnation of the brutal terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and other terrorist groups against Israel on October 7.” 2023, expresses its full solidarity and support for Israel and its people, and reaffirms its full commitment towards them. The statement noted that, in exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, in all circumstances The European Council stresses the importance of respecting and implementing orders
The International Court of Justice, which is legally binding.. The European Council welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2735
The European Council also calls for the full implementation of the terms of the ceasefire proposal without delay and without conditions, leading to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The release of all hostages, a significant and continuous increase in the flow of humanitarian aid and the need for assistance throughout Gaza, a permanent ceasefire and an end to the crisis with Israel to ensure the security interests and safety of Palestinian civilians. The European Council notes the necessity of implementing the International Court of Justice order issued on May 24. May 2024,
It expresses its deep concern about the consequences for the civilian population caused by the continuing violence
Ground operations in Rafah.
. The European Council condemns all the loss of civilian lives. It notes with deep concern the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, especially children, as well as the catastrophic levels of hunger and the imminent risk of famine resulting from the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza.
It calls on all parties to take all possible steps to protect civilian lives. European Council
It reaffirms the urgent need for full, rapid, safe and unimpeded access to widespread humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in need and to allow and facilitate humanitarian workers
International organizations to work effectively inside Gaza. In this context, he stresses that the services provided by UNRWA in Gaza and throughout the region are considered necessary, and it condemns attempts to classify a United Nations agency as a terrorist organization. The European Council welcomes the action plan presented by UNRWA, and its implementation will be closely monitored.
The European Council welcomes the continued efforts made by Jordan and Egypt to de-escalate the crisis, including the humanitarian conference held in Jordan on 11 June 2024.
. The European Council condemns the recent strikes that damaged the buildings of the international organization the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza. It calls on all parties to take all possible and necessary precautions to avoid harm to civilians, humanitarian workers and humanitarian facilities, as well as to grant assistance and access to places of detention for the ICRC, in line with its obligations under international law.
Humanitarian law.
The European Council strongly condemns the ongoing extremist violence committed by settlers in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It calls on the Council to continue working towards restrictive measures against extremist settlers. The European Council also calls for safe access
To the holy places and maintain the status quo. The special status of the city of Jerusalem and its Old City, and the inviolability and viability of its holy places
Communities must be preserved and respected by all. The European Council condemns the Israeli government's decisions to expand illegal settlements throughout the occupied West Bank and urges Israel to reverse these decisions.
The European Council expresses its concern about the increasing tensions in the region, in particular along the Blue Line, and the increasing destruction and forced displacement of civilians on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border. In line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701,
The European Council urges all actors to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation
Participation in international diplomatic efforts. The European Council strongly condemns the possible terms of any threats directed against EU Member States, which also contribute to escalation, and reaffirms its firm solidarity with Member States. The Council calls on the Commission and the High Representative to move forward in working to strengthen European Union support for Lebanon, including the Lebanese Army and the United Nations.
Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) - The European Union reiterates its firm commitment to achieving lasting and sustainable peace in the region in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, on the basis of the two-state solution, with the State of Israel as an independent, democratic, continuous and sovereign state. And a viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security