BRUSSELS — On Monday, the
European Union (EU) stated that
recognizing the Palestinian state falls within the jurisdiction of EU member
states, affirming that the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep
Borrell continues diplomatic efforts toward implementing the
two-state solution, Al-Mamlaka TV reported.
اضافة اعلان
This statement follows the Israeli government's consensus on
a resolution project rejecting any unilateral declaration of a
Palestinian state. In response, the EU's Arabic spokesperson for the Middle East and North
Africa, Luis Miguel Bueno, confirmed that the 'two-state solution' is widely
acknowledged as the solution to this conflict. He emphasized a 'clear
consensus' among member states on this matter and reiterated the EU's support
for the Arab Peace Initiative as a fundamental reference for
resolving the conflict.
Bueno reiterated that Gaza is expected to be part of the
future Palestinian state, clarifying that the entire international community
'agrees' on the two-state solution as the only applicable path to peace and
security.
EU's commitment to
humanitarian aid and regional stability
Bueno affirmed that the
dissolution of UNRWA posed a serious
threat to regional stability, emphasizing its essential role in providing vital
services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the region. The EU provides
approximately 90 million euros annually to the agency, with the latest funding
announcement being 83 million euros for 2023.
He also stressed that the EU has not suspended its funding
to UNRWA and its members agree on the absolute need to support the agency's
work, particularly in protecting civilians. He noted that EU ministers welcomed
swift actions taken by UNRWA Commissioner-General
Philippe Lazzarini regarding
Israeli allegations, which 'must be proven.'
Regarding the EU's ability to pressure Israel to prevent an
operation in Rafah, Bueno affirmed that the bloc has repeatedly called on
Israel to respect international law and humanitarian law, and to avoid civilian
casualties. He explained that Borrell conveyed these messages to all levels of
the Israeli government.
"We urged in our last meeting with the
Israeli government, specifically the Israeli Foreign Minister, to make more efforts to
ensure the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, and infrastructure,
including those belonging to UNRWA, and to open new crossing points and
expedite truck inspection procedures," Bueno said.
He stressed that any
military attack on Rafah would have
catastrophic consequences, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation
and causing unbearable losses among civilians.
Bueno pointed out, "There are no words to describe the
terrible images of the suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza,
especially children."
Notably, EU foreign ministers are scheduled to discuss the
humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the necessity of reaching a ceasefire. They
will also discuss the implementation of
UN Security Council Resolution 2720,
which calls for delivering humanitarian aid to civilians throughout Gaza
without obstacles, and the essential role of UNRWA in providing vital services
to Palestinian refugees.
He emphasized that these consultations represent an
opportunity to discuss implementing the resolution and preparing for an
international peace conference by the EU and its partners in the region.
Ministers will also discuss the situation in the region and EU efforts to avoid
regional escalation, including launching the 'Aspidus' mission to protect
commercial ships and international navigation in the Red Sea.
Bueno affirmed that the EU is contributing to alleviating
the humanitarian crisis with over 100 million euros in humanitarian aid in
2023, and announced an additional 125 million euros for Gaza in December 2023.
The EU has facilitated over 40 flights through an airlift coordinated with
Egyptian authorities and humanitarian organizations.
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