In the Gaza war, the European Union once again pushed Israel towards a two-state solution. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told today's meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels that Israel cannot achieve peace “not only through military means”.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, whose country has held the presidency of the EU Council for six months, called for an “immediate ceasefire”. The European Parliament also called for this in a non-binding resolution on Thursday – but with conditions.
Conversations with many sides
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz is also expected to attend the meeting of EU foreign ministers. EU representatives will meet in a separate meeting with Palestinian chief diplomat Riad al-Maliki. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia are also expected in Brussels.
EU foreign ministers also want to approve new sanctions against radical Islamist Hamas. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Schallenberg, will also participate in the meeting and will then travel to New York for a debate at the UN Security Council on the Middle East.
He also spoke out in advance in favor of a two-state solution; Without it there would be no peace. But Israel's security must be guaranteed. He also rejects the expulsion of people or Israel's permanent presence in Gaza.