Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The first-ever high-level political dialogue between the European Union and Palestine has concluded. In her message to the Palestinian delegation, European High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaya Kallas said, "You can count on our full support for the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people. That is why the European Union has announced a new multi-year support package for Palestine worth €1.6 billion over the next two years. The EU will invest in essential infrastructure, provide humanitarian assistance, and support refugees."
In response to journalists' questions about the political importance of this political dialogue while 80% of Gaza is destroyed. Even more dangerously, Israel is destroying the Palestinian people in Gaza and continuing its settlement activities in the West Bank, she said, "Since we, the 27 member states of the European Union, have agreed to support the two-state solution, it is also important that both states be more equal. That is why we are holding this high-level political dialogue with Palestine, to highlight the importance of Palestine and, on the other hand, to ensure that more equal parties participate in this process." I understand this situation is very dangerous, and there is frustration that we cannot do enough to stop it. We have called for a ceasefire, for humanitarian access to Gaza, and, of course, for adherence to international law regarding victims of war. But I think we are still looking to the future, to achieving a two-state solution, to finding a place where Israel's security is respected while the rights of the Palestinians are respected. I think this is important. In response to another question about imposing sanctions on extremist settlers, and reaching consensus on this matter. The European official said, "Our discussions on sanctions are in line with the support of the countries. You know the position of the countries on this issue. To send a very strong signal that we condemn settler violence, we also need to take concrete steps, and that is why we have proposed sanctions. But so far, we have not received any agreement from the 27 member states. Some member states say, 'Yes, but the imposition of sanctions on Hamas members should be equal.' But let us be absolutely clear, we have imposed sanctions on many, and many have not remained. So, it cannot be equal in any case. It is clear that if we condemn words, we must also follow them with actions, and this is difficult with a resolution with the approval of 27 countries. We have many similar issues, but we are still working on resolving them." Speaking in the presence of the head of the Palestinian delegation, Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Kallas said, "I hope there will be more of these meetings. Of course, we all wish this had happened under different circumstances. Let me once again express our solidarity with the Palestinian people in light of the terrible loss of life and destruction in Gaza." The European Union has condemned the comprehensive blockade of aid to Gaza, and Israel must fully restore the provision of humanitarian assistance. During the first phase of the ceasefire, the EU Border Assistance Mission in Rafah (EUBAM Rafah) supported over 4,000 people from Gaza into Egypt, including many sick people and those with medical needs.
You know you can count on EUBAM Rafah in the future, including the possibility of facilitating the delivery of goods to Gaza and supporting the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza.
In the West Bank, we are deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation. This includes the displacement of tens of thousands of people, as well as restricted access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
I would also like to add here that the European Union strongly opposes Israel's settlement policy, including in and around East Jerusalem. We call on Israel to halt its settlement expansion. We have imposed sanctions on extremist settlers, and I will work to reach consensus on further restrictive measures.
Security cooperation between Israel and Palestinian security forces has been crucial and should be strengthened. Ultimately, the European Union's position is clear: this war cannot be ended by military means. Resuming negotiations is the only way to end the suffering of both sides. We firmly believe in a negotiated two-state solution.
Most importantly, our discussions went beyond the immediate needs and formed the basis for long-term cooperation. I commend the Palestinian Authority for its willingness to pursue reforms despite extremely difficult circumstances.
It is important that you implement them, as well, and this is also important for your ability to govern the Gaza Strip. We fully support you.
Through the EU Police Mission, we can also continue to assist the Palestinian Authority in strengthening institutions, particularly the ministers responsible for security and justice. We also discussed the needs of the Palestinian Civil Police, including its future policing needs in Gaza. EUPOL COPPS stands ready to provide support here. We will also work to deepen our bilateral cooperation, and I know you would like to participate in our Horizon Europe research program, so we will explore this opportunity. According to a European statement, in the context of the political dialogue, the European Union and the Palestinian Authority exchanged views on the Gaza conflict, the evolving situation in the West Bank, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and prospects for advancing the two-state solution. Participants discussed bilateral relations, including the Palestinian Authority's ambitious reform agenda, and how the EU can best support it in this vital endeavor. The meeting was co-chaired by Kaya Kallas and the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa. The Commission was represented by Dubravka Suica, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, and Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.