The head of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, believes that, in the end, Israelis and Palestinians will have to agree on a way forward, and the EU must make its diplomatic contribution to help them find common ground, Interfax reports.
During her speech in Brussels at the conference of EU ambassadors, she named the points that the alliance authorities adhere to.
First of all, Gaza cannot be a haven for terrorists,” von der Leyen emphasized, adding that “various ideas are being discussed on how this can be ensured, including an international peacekeeping force under a UN mandate.” Secondly, she said, “the terrorist organization Hamas cannot control or govern the Gaza Strip.” “There must be only one Palestinian administration and one Palestinian state,” von der Leyen said.
Third, she noted, “there cannot be a long-term presence of Israeli security forces in the Gaza Strip.” “Gaza,” said the head of the EC, “is an integral part of any future Palestinian state.” Fourth, she pointed out that “the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip” is unacceptable. In her opinion, this will further increase regional instability.
“And finally, no long blockade of Gaza. This policy did not work,” the politician emphasized. She said: “Any future Palestinian state must be viable, including from an economic point of view, and Europe is ready to work with all people and countries in the region to make this happen.”
Source: Rosbalt
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