Top EU diplomat lays out two-state strategy to end Middle East war
Jan 23, 2024
Brussels [Belgium], January 23: The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, wants a two-state solution to the conflict in the Middle East to be the bloc's priority with a plan proposed on Monday ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.
"I think that we have to stop talking about the peace, the peace process, and start talking more concretely about the two-state solution process," he said on arrival in Brussels.
EU foreign ministers are to discuss the war raging between Israel and Hamas in Gaza after the October 7 attacks with the potential for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state a central topic.
According to a senior diplomat from the EU's External Action Service, the bloc's diplomatic service, this proposal would be coupled simultaneously with security guarantees for Israel.
A political framework for the Palestinian people could also influence the current war between Hamas and Israel. The aim must be for Israel to be able to have completely normal relations with the Arab countries, the diplomat said.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock gave her backing to the two-state solution, stressing that "there can only be peace if there is peace for all people in the region." "Israel can only live in security if Palestinians can live in dignity in security. And Palestinians can only live in dignity, security and freedom if Israel lives in security," she said.
Doubts surround the viability of the long-sought two-state solution however after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again forcefully rejected the notion of a sovereign Palestinian state. "I will not compromise on full Israeli security control over the entire area west of the Jordan [River] - and this is contrary to a Palestinian state," Netanyahu said at the weekend.
Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin criticized the Israeli's leaders comments as "unacceptable and do not contribute in any way to the prospects of peace." Jordan's Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, said Israel's rejection of a two-state policy was "dooming the future of the region to more conflict and more war." (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
