EU Pressures Israel for Two-State Solution Post-Gaza War

EU foreign ministers gathered on Monday to advocate for a two-state resolution between Israel and the Palestinians, following recent conflict in Gaza. This meeting in Brussels, which brought together diplomats from Israel, Palestine, and key Arab nations, came in the wake of a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7 and Israel’s heavy military retaliation, stirring concerns of an escalated conflict in the Middle East.

Despite the recent violence seemingly pushing a long-term solution further away, EU officials are emphasizing the urgency of addressing the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The meeting agenda included discussions with Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz and the Palestinian Authority’s senior diplomat, Riyad al-Maliki. Additionally, foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia participated in talks with their European counterparts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced international criticism, including from the UN and the US, for dismissing the concept of a Palestinian state. The conflict has resulted in over 25,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. Netanyahu has pledged to achieve “complete victory” over Hamas following the October 7 attacks that led to approximately 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians, based on an AFP count using official Israeli data.

About 250 hostages were reportedly taken by Hamas militants, with approximately 132 still in Gaza, as stated by Israel.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized to Israel that military strategies alone cannot create lasting peace and stability. He questioned Israel’s alternative plans, mentioning the possibilities of Palestinian displacement or worse.

Israeli Foreign Minister Katz, while ignoring inquiries about a two-state solution, stressed Israel’s current focus on securing the return of hostages and ensuring national security.

The EU has seen internal divisions over the Gaza conflict, with countries like Germany opposing immediate ceasefire demands from Spain and Ireland. However, there is a broad agreement within the EU on the two-state solution. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock asserted that it remains the only viable option and challenged those opposing it to present an alternative.

Borrell proposed a “comprehensive approach” for peace, suggesting an international conference to devise a plan for Israeli and Palestinian consideration. The approach implies potential consequences for either side’s response to the peace plan.

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned that Israel’s actions undermining the two-state solution risk more conflict and war in the region. He emphasized the global consensus on the two-state solution as the path to peace and called for accountability for those opposing it.