The European Union affirmed its commitment to its unified position towards achieving a two-state solution that ends the occupation that began in 1967 and resolves all final status issues in order to end the conflict.
The European Union, in a statement today, Tuesday, also renewed its readiness to support efforts to resume meaningful negotiations on all final status issues in order to achieve a just and lasting peace, and support all efforts to help resume credible negotiations.
The European Union reiterated its strong opposition to the Israeli settlement policy, which is considered illegal under international law, and the measures taken in this context, such as demolition and confiscation, including against humanitarian facilities, projects funded by the European Union, and evictions and forcible transfers.
The European Union called on Israel to stop the continued settlement expansion and demolition operations in the occupied territories, including in East Jerusalem, "especially in sensitive areas such as Har Homa, Givat Hamatos and E1, which seriously threatens the two-state solution."
He added that the Palestinians are still facing repeated human rights violations and abuses, and the deterioration of the humanitarian and human rights situation in the Gaza Strip continues to be a source of grave concern, as the European Union calls for an end to the closure and the opening of the crossings completely.
The European Union reiterated its "deep and sincere appreciation for the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its dedicated staff who work in a very difficult context. UNRWA is an essential provider of vital services to millions of Palestinian refugees and it is a stabilizing force in the region, until a just, fair and consistent solution is found. Accordingly and realistically to the issue of Palestinian refugees in accordance with international law, UNRWA remains crucial in providing protection and basic services to Palestinian refugees, and we will continue to support UNRWA in all areas of its operations, including East Jerusalem. The European Union also welcomed additional financial support from other donors and renewed to UNRWA, and called on all partners to increase their contributions to it.
The European Union also stated that a permanent solution to the conflict must be achieved on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions, the principles of Madrid including land for peace, the road map, and the agreements previously reached by the two parties and the Arab Peace Initiative, in addition to the fact that the State of Israel and the independent State of Palestine Democracy, connected, sovereign and viable, living side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition.
He affirmed his firm opposition to all measures that undermine the viability of the two-state solution.
