Last week I visited the Middle East. The visit came at a particularly volatile time, just days after the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza, which has caused an appalling loss of life. Through this visit I wanted to send a clear sign of the European Union’s commitment to de-escalation and support for an immediate ceasefire. My message was clear: in a new war, both sides lose. I had the chance to pass clear messages underscoring the European Union’s priorities for Gaza, as stated by European Union leaders at the European Council in March: the release of all hostages; an immediate return to the ceasefire; and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries at scale into the Gaza strip.
The resumption of negotiations is the most viable way to find a way forward and get the hostages out. I reiterated the European Union’s full support to the efforts of the negotiators. It is clear that violence only feeds more violence. The Arab Plan, albeit still not conclusive on some very important issues of governance, security and cost-sharing, remains relevant even in the context of resumed hostilities. And I was clear on the Two-State solution, as the only way to reach sustainable peace and security for Israel, the Palestinians, and the region. The Israeli operation against armed militants in the refugee camps of the Northern West Bank has led to casualties, displacement of some 40,000 Palestinians and the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure. In parallel, settler violence, the approval of new settlements, evictions, demolitions, and forced transfers of Palestinians are increasing. All these actions are seriously undermining the viability of the Palestinian Authority, but also causing harm to the Palestinian people.