The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stressed on Wednesday 27 October the need for Palestinian factions “to resume serious efforts towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation and to set a new date for the postponed national elections” (see EUROPE 12710/18), according to a European External Action Service press release issued after a meeting between Mr Borrell and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh in Brussels.
The High Representative also highlighted the EU’s “continued support” for the Palestinian people and for Palestinian state-building. In his view, there is a need to restart serious negotiations in order to resume the peace process as soon as possible.
Mr Borrell and Mr Shtayyeh also discussed the situation on the ground, including the continued expansion of settlements, demolitions and evictions, and the “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The High Representative also described the inclusion of six Palestinian organisations on Israel’s list of terrorist organisations as a “serious concern” and said that the EU would examine these allegations very closely (see EUROPE 12819/28). “Civil society organisations are a force for promoting international law, human rights and democratic values, throughout the world and in Palestine”, he stated. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)