Arr, a European Union minister be callin' for a proper Palestinian state, even if that scurvy Israeli leader be rejectin' it!
2024-01-22
Arrr! The European Union scallywags reckon that settin' sail fer a Palestinian land be the key to tranquility in the Middle East, even though that Israeli scurvy dog be turnin' a blind eye to the notion.
European Union foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. They argued that the creation of a Palestinian state is the only credible way to achieve peace in the region. French Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Sejourne expressed concern about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of the idea. The issue of Gaza's future has set Israel against the United States and its Arab allies as they work to mediate an end to the fighting. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 25,000, and there are calls for a halt to the violence. Belgium, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, described the situation in Gaza as a risk of famine and epidemics and demanded an immediate ceasefire. Israel, however, rejects Palestinian statehood and seeks military control over Gaza. This dispute poses a major obstacle to any plans for post-war governance or reconstruction. The EU invited foreign ministers from Israel, the Palestinians, Egypt, Jordan, and the Arab League to the talks, but the ministers for Israel and the Palestinians were not scheduled to meet each other. The EU foreign policy chief condemned the atrocities committed by Hamas and criticized Israeli military actions for sowing hate for generations. The Palestinian minister called for a ceasefire and urged the EU to consider sanctions against Netanyahu and others who are "destroying the chances for a two-state solution and for peace in the Middle East." Spain has pushed for a peace conference, but some EU member countries believe it can only happen with Israel's support. The Israeli minister refused to comment on the possibility of Palestinian statehood and instead sought support for Israel's campaign to dismantle Hamas. The ministers also discussed a planned EU naval mission to ensure maritime traffic security in the Red Sea. Yemen's Houthi rebels have been attacking ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that are linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports. US airstrikes have targeted the Iranian-backed Houthis in response.