Since last Saturday, I have of course been almost fully occupied by the consequences of the Hamas terrorist attack against Israel. On behalf of our 27 member countries, we have immediately condemned in the strongest possible terms these attacks and expressed solidarity with Israel, recognising its right to defend itself in line with international law.

Strong condemnation of Hamas terrorism

I spoke in particular to the Israeli Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, to express the solidarity of the EU, our strong condemnation of Hamas terrorism and the need to respect international humanitarian law to prevent more civilian lives from being lost. I spoke also to the Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh to ask the Palestinian Authority to contribute to the cessation of hostilities

On Sunday, I travelled to Oman to co-chair the 27th Joint Council ministerial meeting between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as for bilateral meetings with the Omani government and other GCC partners.

The crisis in the Middle East featured prominently in all discussions. Between Europeans and our Gulf partners, it could not have been a business as usual meeting. We had an extensive and frank exchange with our GCC colleagues. Despite undeniable differences in perspective, we were able to find a significant common ground as reflected in the Co-Chair Statement, condemning any attack against civilians; requesting an immediate release of hostages and the respect of international humanitarian law – including access to water, food and electricity for the civil population in Gaza.

EU and GCC ministers supported also the efforts initiated before the current crisis to revive the Middle East peace process and the two-state solution by Saudi Arabia, the European Union and the League of Arab States in cooperation with Egypt and Jordan. We stressed also the importance of sustained financial support to the Palestinian population through the UN Reliefs and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the Palestinian Authority.

I took advantage of the presence of many of my European counterparts in Oman to convene an informal Foreign Affairs Council after the EU-GCC meeting. Some ministers were already there, others joined from their capitals via videoconference. It was our first meeting after the events on Saturday and it was therefore particularly important to share our views.

A clear distinction between Hamas and the Palestinian population

The EU ministers endorsed the main conclusions of our meeting with the GCC. We reiterated our solidarity with Israel and exchanged on the way forward to avoid a regional spill-over and protect civilians. We also discussed the future of our relationship with the Palestinian Authority. All EU colleagues make a clear distinction between Hamas on the one hand, and the Palestinian people and Palestinian Authority on the other.

We consider Hamas a terrorist organisation and what happened last Saturday proves that they are. But it would be of course mistaken to consider all Palestinians as terrorists and any form of collective punishment from our side would be not only contrary to International Humanitarian Law but also to our interests and to the interests of a future peace. It would be a gift to Hamas and jeopardise our partnership with the Arab world and our credibility globally.  

Commissioner Lenarčič, who participated in our EU-GCC meeting, made clear that humanitarian support is in any case not under discussion. Regarding the cooperation for development, the support to the Palestinian Authority and the financing of United Nations agencies which provide services to the Palestinians, an overwhelming majority of EU Foreign Ministers rejected the announcement of an immediate suspension of payments and welcomed the subsequent clarification by the European Commission. They endorsed the proposal of conducting a review to ensure that European taxpayers’ money is spend appropriately and in any way doesn’t supports terrorist activities. Many of my colleagues stressed that it is now more important than ever to strengthen moderate forces committed to a peaceful negotiated settlement of the conflict.

“Many of my EU Foreign Ministers colleagues stressed that it is now more important than ever to strengthen moderate forces committed to a peaceful negotiated settlement of the conflict.”

The barbaric attack by Hamas has unsurprisingly provoked a strong reaction from the Israeli Defence Forces. The destruction and casualties in Gaza are increasing rapidly, more than 400,000 people are already internally displaced and the humanitarian situation is dire. With the UN, we support the Egyptian efforts to bring humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza.

The vicious cycle of terrorism and retaliation must stop

It is the fourth time since 2007 that I witness a war in Gaza with its vicious cycle of increasingly deadly terrorism and retaliation. This must stop. For decades now, we have called for a Two-State Solution with the State of Israel and a sovereign State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. Until now, those efforts have failed miserably. Let’s join our forces with all relevant regional and international actors to finally find a sustainable political solution.