Brussels, 27/08/2014 (Agence Europe) - During the evening of Tuesday 26 August, the European Union “warmly” welcomed the ceasefire in the Middle East, obtained under Egyptian mediation, and called for it to last. “We call on all to abide by its terms”, said Michael Mann, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. Commending the efforts of Egypt and others in working towards the ceasefire, Mann reiterated that the EU is “ready to contribute to consolidating the ceasefire”, as was stated at the Foreign Affairs Council on 15 August (see EUROPE 11135). “We express our sorrow for the loss of life, especially civilians, and the destruction caused in the last 50 days”, added Mann. Over 2,100 have died on the Palestinian side, and around 60 (including four civilians) on the Israeli side, since 8 July. The conflict has led to the displacement of around half a million Gazans.
European Parliament President Martin Schulz welcomed the ceasefire agreement “warmly” on Wednesday 27 August, and called on all parties to comply “fully” with its terms. “The easing of the blockade is an encouraging step”, he said. “The European Union and the international community now have to step up efforts to tackle the urgent humanitarian needs, the security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians and the reconstruction of Gaza”, Schulz added, stating that the European Union was “a key partner” for both Israelis and Palestinians, and must therefore “play a more active role aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace”.
Many European ministers also welcomed the ceasefire. France “immediately urged” the parties to comply with the ceasefire and to continue the discussions held under the auspices of Egypt “to reach a lasting solution, responding to the requirements of lifting the blockade in Gaza and of Israel's security”. France's Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius stated that his country - in conjunction with its European partners and within the United Nations Security Council - was determined to contribute to the solutions to be found as part of such an agreement. He recalled “the necessity and urgency of relaunching the peace process ahead of bringing a definitive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”.
In the view of the UK's Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood, “the ceasefire provides a critical and welcome window of opportunity for reaching a comprehensive agreement that tackles the underlying causes of the conflict”. “These discussions are not easy, but there is no viable alternative. The international community stands ready to assist”, Ellwood stated. While welcoming the ceasefire agreement, Sweden's Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Bildt reiterated that is was “important that talks on the complete lifting of the blockade and other issues are not delayed unduly”.
On 26 August, the Israelis and Palestinians concluded a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The agreement is said to provide for an unlimited halt to the hostilities, the immediate opening of crossing points between Gaza, Israel and Egypt “to ensure the swift entry of humanitarian aid, assistance and the materials for reconstruction”, and enlargement of the Palestinian fishing area. At a later stage, a month after the halt to the fighting, there should be negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians on building a port in Gaza and on the release of Hamas members detained by Israel in the West Bank.
During the day of 26 August, firing continued on both sides. (CG)