Urges to stop the expansion of settlements, proportionate military operations and stop the wave of terrorist attacks
BRUSSELS, 8 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Member States of the European Union have shown this Wednesday their concern about the rise of violence and extremism in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, asking Israelis and Palestinians to reduce tension and cease disproportionate military operations and terrorist attacks.
In a statement by the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, the Twenty-seven point out that the spike in violence is leaving an “appalling number of Israeli and Palestinian victims, including children.” “The situation in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is of great concern,” the statement said.
That is why the EU calls on all parties to reduce the crisis and avoid any action that could exacerbate the already high tension. “Settlements are illegal under international law. Israel must halt settlement expansion, prevent settler violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable,” the statement said, alluding to Israeli actions, noting that military operations “must be proportionate and in accordance with international humanitarian law.”
On the Palestinian side, the European bloc has insisted that there must be an “immediate cessation of terrorist attacks” and calls for a condemnation of these actions and the practices that surround them.
The EU reiterates its position to relax the restrictions on the Gaza Strip, assuring that the humanitarian situation requires it, as well as asking for respect for the sacred sites in line with previous agreements and respecting the role of Jordan, all in favor of guaranteeing the peaceful coexistence of Jews, Muslims and Christians.
“All these issues are obstacles to peace,” reads the declaration of the Twenty-seven, which considers it “vital” to restore the political horizon in the region for a negotiated two-State solution. “Only a negotiated agreement offers a possibility of security and peace for all. There is an urgent need for a new perspective for peace,” concludes the statement in response to the latest tensions in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
