Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Following the discussions of the leaders of the European Union countries that took place on the first day of the Spring Summit in Brussels, a final statement was issued that included the position on the developments in the situation between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The statement, which was issued early in the morning on Friday, which is the second and last day of the summit’s work, stated, “The European Council discussed the latest Developments in the Middle East. We are horrified by the unprecedented loss of civilian lives and critical humanitarian situations. The European Council calls for an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of assistance. The European Council recalls its previous conclusions condemning Hamas in the strongest terms. possible of its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks throughout Israel, October 7, 2023, recognizing Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law, and calling for the immediate release of all hostages without any precondition. Hamas and other armed groups must immediately allow With the arrival of humanitarian aid to all remaining hostages, the European Council calls for accelerating action on the adoption of the resolution with more relevant restrictive measures against Hamas. The European Council is deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and its disproportionate impact on civilians, especially children, as well as the danger Impending famine caused by insufficient aid entry into Gaza. Full, rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to and throughout the Gaza Strip through all routes is essential to providing the civilian population with life-saving assistance and essential services on a large scale.
The European Council welcomes the initiative to open a sea route for emergency aid from Cyprus to Gaza to complement land routes, which remain the main way to deliver the required quantities. Additional roads and land crossings are needed. Immediate measures should be taken to prevent further displacement of the population and provide safe shelter for the population to ensure that civilians are absolutely protected. The European Council urges the Israeli government not to conduct the military operation in Rafah, which would exacerbate the situation. The humanitarian situation is already catastrophic and prevents the provision of basic services and much-needed humanitarian assistance.
More than a million Palestinians are currently seeking safety away from the fighting and access to humanitarian aid there. . All parties must respect international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The European Council stresses the importance of respecting and implementing the order issued by the International Court on January 26, 2024, which is legally binding. Violations of international humanitarian law need to be thoroughly and independently investigated and accountability ensured. The Council takes note of the reports of UN Special Representative Pramila Patten, who expressed grave concern about the acts of sexual violence that occurred during the October 7 attacks. The European Union supports independent investigations into all allegations of sexual violence, also referring to the reports of UN Special Rapporteur Reem Al-Salem. The European Council stresses that the services provided by UNRWA in Gaza and throughout the region are essential. The European Council notes the recent measures taken by the European Union and financial support. He welcomes the United Nations' rapid launch of an internal investigation and external review following the serious allegations against 12 UNRWA staff and their alleged participation in the 7 October terrorist attacks. He looks forward to the results of the investigation and further decisive action by the United Nations to ensure accountability and strengthen oversight. The European Council calls for an immediate cessation of violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as well as to ensure safe access to the Holy Places. The Council strongly condemns the violence of extremist settlers. Perpetrators must be held accountable and calls on the European Council to accelerate action on the adoption of the relevant targeted restrictive measures. The European Council condemned the Israeli government's decisions to expand illegal settlements throughout the occupied West Bank. It urges Israel to reverse these decisions.
The European Union will continue to work intensively with regional and international partner organizations to prevent further regional escalation, especially in Lebanon and the Red Sea. The European Council calls on all parties, especially Iran, to refrain from escalatory actions. Welcomes the launch of the EU Operation ASPIDES to protect freedom of navigation and the security of seafarers in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the wider region. The European Union remains firmly committed to achieving lasting and sustainable peace on the two-state solution. Palestinians and Israelis have an equal right to live in security, dignity and peace. The European Council calls on all parties to refrain from any such actions that would undermine the principle of the two-state solution and the possibility of its survival for future Palestinians. It recalls that the two Common Security and Defense Policy missions – the European Union Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) and the EU Border Assistance and Mission to the Rafah Crossing (EUBAM Rafah) – can play an important role based on this principle in support of a future Palestinian state. The European Union is ready to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and regional and international parties in this regard, and international parties must contribute to reviving the political process, including through the peace initiative.