The EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, and the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, welcomed, on Friday 31 July, the agreement reached overnight on the disarmament of Hamas. As the disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw and the International Stabilisation Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to ensure security in Gaza, according to the agreement.
“This is a crucial step under the Gaza Peace Plan and can help open a new chapter for Gaza”, Ms Šuica stated on X. According to Ms Kallas, this plan, “if fully implemented, would be a constructive step towards peace”.
The High Representative pointed out that many elements had to come together for this plan to work. “Success depends on the full commitment of all parties. Verifying Hamas’ compliance will be a significant challenge. Israel would need to eventually withdraw from Gaza”, she explained on X.
Ms Kallas announced that the EU was ready to support the next steps, including the entry of the National Committee and the International Stabilisation Force.
“Lasting peace, security and stability cannot be built on arms. They must be built on diplomacy, dialogue, trust and a shared commitment to a better future”, Commissioner Šuica recalled. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)