The only possible solution in the Middle East is the “two-state solution”. This was echoed by European Union diplomacy chief Josep Borrell, who added: “What else do you think? Removing all the Palestinians? Killing them all?”. Statements made by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs to journalists opened the ongoing foreign ministers’ summit in Brussels. This statement, between sincerity and provocation, comes from the mouth of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sounding like a “challenge” to the Israeli government, which has reiterated its opposition to “Palestinian sovereignty”. Meanwhile, clashes continue in the southern Gaza Strip near Khan Younès hospital, where the Israeli army is intensifying its operations. Although international calls for a ceasefire or at least a halt to hostilities are increasing, the war in the Middle East continues to cause casualties. Israelis angry at their prime minister for not finding a solution for the hostages still held by Hamas may also play a role.
Two independent states are necessary for peace
In Brussels on Monday, January 22, Josep Borrell reiterated that Israel cannot build peace “by military means alone.” The statement is addressed to EU foreign ministers, who will meet separately in the European capital with the heads of Israeli diplomacy, Israel Katz, and the Palestinian Authority, Riyad al-Maliki. The head of European diplomacy presented 27 ministers with a “global approach” structured in ten points to achieve lasting peace. To ensure broad consensus, Egyptian ministers Sameh Choukry, Saudi Faisal ben Farhane and Jordanian Ayman Safadi were invited, as well as Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Sven Koopmans, the EU’s special representative for the Middle East peace process, spoke to them “with the aim of finding common ground to restart the peace process”. Brussels is focusing on cooperation with these countries and organizations for a permanent path to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, devastated physically and humanely by the war.
Divisions over ceasefire
In addition to the 1,140 Israelis killed by Hamas (AFP data) and the 250 hostages kidnapped in the attack on October 7, the number of Palestinian civilians also increased to 25 thousand people. Since then, Israeli military intervention has been interrupted only by a brief ceasefire in November; Reaching an agreement on the ceasefire request seems far away. EU countries are also deeply divided. Germany, for example, opposes this by underlining Israel’s right to defend itself. Spain and Ireland take the opposite view and call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The European Parliament is also divided by the war in Gaza and last week approved the ceasefire request, which was overturned by a united vote of the right. In fact, the document is the equivalent of the Israeli government’s plan to continue raids on the Strip indefinitely.
Role of the Palestinian Authority
The document presented by Borrell to the ministers of the 27th bloc aims to establish an independent Palestinian state and, more generally, to normalize relations between Israel and the Arab world, with the contribution of the EU diplomatic service. Borrell stated that the aim of the road map is to achieve “a political, sustainable and long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict” and that this solution “will bring peace between the two peoples and stability to the region.” Member States. The chief European diplomat had already drafted a document on the post-war period in Gaza in November; This document called for an end to a long-term Israeli occupation, an end to Hamas rule, and a role for the Palestinian Authority in Israel. manage the region.
The latter, together with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), will represent both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank during the “Preparatory Peace Conference” envisaged by the plan. The EU, USA, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Arab League and the United Nations will attend the meeting. Participants are required to be in constant contact with Palestinian and Israeli officials; However, these officials do not need to meet and dialogue directly. The plan states that within one year after the conference, the framework of a peace plan will be drawn, which will be used as the main basis for final negotiations.
Netanyahu criticized, calls for agreement on hostages
This Monday, the war entered its 108th day. According to US intelligence estimates, quoted Wall Street MagazineIsrael has killed “about 20-30%” of Hamas fighters so far. The goal of destroying the movement is still far away. The United States, Qatar and Egypt, which brokered the November ceasefire, are apparently trying to persuade Israel. and Hamas will agree to the release of other hostages in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, protests against the government of Benjamin Netanyahu are intensifying in Israel, and relatives and supporters of the hostages are attacking the prime minister’s official residence to demand a deal aimed at targeting Israel demonstrating nearby. release of hostages.
Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
