Diplomatic Endeavors in Brussels: European Meetings with Israeli and Palestinian Counterparts
In Brussels on Monday, European Foreign Ministers are scheduled to hold separate meetings with their Israeli and Palestinian counterparts, Israel Katz and Riyad al-Maliki, respectively. Although no direct meeting between Katz and al-Maliki is planned, the simultaneous presence of both diplomats is seen as a significant symbol by European officials.
Josep Borrell, the head of European diplomacy, stressed the necessity for a political solution in Gaza and the West Bank, rejecting the notion that Israel can attain peace solely through military means. Borrell underscored the importance of a two-state solution and questioned alternative proposals, such as forcing Palestinians to leave or resorting to violence.
Borrell’s previous accusations against Israel of financially supporting Hamas to weaken the Palestinian Authority could introduce tension into the discussions. Despite this, Borrell reiterated the EU’s stance on advocating for a two-state solution from the outside for lasting peace.
During a working lunch, EU diplomats will meet with Egyptian, Saudi, and Jordanian counterparts, along with the secretary-general of the Arab League. The discussions aim to address the humanitarian situation, civilian casualties, and potential ceasefire calls since the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel.
EU countries have expressed concerns about civilian casualties and have called for humanitarian truces. However, internal divisions have hindered consensus on a ceasefire, with some countries emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself. The consideration of sanctions against Israeli extremists in the West Bank, where over 360 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, is on the agenda, but no decision is expected.
Furthermore, EU ministers will discuss the implementation of an EU mission in the Red Sea to protect commercial fleets from Houthi rebel attacks from Yemen. Discussions have progressed positively, and Italy, France, and Belgium have expressed readiness to participate. The mission’s mandate would allow the interception of missiles, rockets, or drones targeting merchant ships, excluding strikes against land targets in Yemen. The decision on this mission’s modalities is anticipated during the upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers on February 19.
Notably, the U.S. and the U.K. have previously conducted strikes against Houthi rebels, who claim to target ships associated with Israeli interests in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.