The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, as well as the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 May (see EUROPE 12721/1).
The ceasefire came into effect on the night of 20-21 May, after 11 days of violence that left more than 230 people dead in the Gaza Strip and 12 in Israel.
“The EU welcomes the announced ceasefire bringing to an end the violence in and around Gaza”, the High Representative said in a statement, praising Egypt, Qatar, the UN, the US and other countries that have played a facilitating role.
Expressing dismay and regret at the loss of life, the High Representative reiterated that the situation in the Gaza Strip had long been unsustainable. “Only a political solution will bring sustainable peace and end once for all the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Restoring a political horizon towards a two-State solution now remains of utmost importance”, insisted Mr Borrell.
He said that the EU was ready to fully support the Israeli and Palestinian authorities in these efforts. To this end, the EU is renewing its engagement with key international partners, including the United States, and other partners in the region, as well as with the revitalised Quartet on the Middle East, Mr Borrell recalled.
On Twitter, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged both sides to consolidate the ceasefire and stabilise the situation in the long term. “Only a political solution will bring lasting peace and security to all”, she recalled.
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, said the ceasefire was “an opportunity for peace and security for citizens” that must be seized. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)