In addition to the situation in Syria (see other news), on Thursday 19 December, the Heads of State or Government of European Union countries are expected to reiterate their calls for an end to hostilities, the unconditional release of all hostages and the urgent improvement of access to and large-scale distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
Lebanon. According to a draft set of conclusions dated Tuesday 17 December and obtained by Agence Europe, the European Council is also expected to welcome the 27 November ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and urge the parties to implement it (see EUROPE 13535/14). In addition, according to this draft conclusion, European leaders are expected to welcome “the mediation efforts undertaken in particular by France and the United States”.
The European Council is expected to call on Lebanon’s leaders to take the necessary action to overcome the political impasse, including the “swift” election of a president.
UNRWA. European leaders are also expected to express their “deep concern” about Israeli legislation that undermines UNRWA’s work in the region (see EUROPE 13516/17).
Whereas in an earlier draft text, the European Council “recalled” UNRWA’s “crucial support” for the civilian population in Gaza and the region, the most recent text suggests that the leaders will stress “the essential role of UNRWA, which provides crucial support to the civilian population in both Gaza and the wider region”. Continued implementation of the UNRWA Action Plan is expected to be recommended by the European Council.
Mobilisation of the European Parliament. In an open letter published on Tuesday, 100 MEPs from the S&D, Renew Europe, The Left and Greens/EFA groups called on the use of all of the EU’s diplomatic means to maintain UNRWA operations.
Two-state solution. Finally, European leaders are expected to call on “all parties to refrain from actions that undermine” the “viability” of a two-state solution in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolution.
On Monday, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said she wanted to hold an EU-Israel Association Council to press for a lasting peace in the Middle East (see EUROPE 13546/2).
At the European Commission, it is believed that the channels for dialogue with Israel must be kept open so that frank talks can be held behind closed doors.
See the European Council’s draft conclusions of Tuesday 17 December: https://aeur.eu/f/ev7