EU-GCC Joint Council Calls to End Violence in Gaza Strip, Israel

EU High Representative Josep Borrell affirmed the need to cease violence in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

“It is of utmost importance to ensure the release of hostages, as well as the protection of civilians at all times and by all parties,” Borrell said.

He made his remarks at the joint press conference of the 27th EU-GCC Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting, held in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, on 9-10 October.

He continued: “The Joint Council expresses deep concern about the grave development in Israel and Gaza and condemns all attacks against civilians. It calls for the protection of civilians, reminding the parties about obligation under the universal principle of the international humanitarian law.”

He asserted that the Council further calls for restraint and the release of hostages and allowing access to food, water, and medicines, according with international humanitarian law, and it stresses the urgent need for a political solution to the crisis to avoid repeating this vicious cycle of violence in the future as it has happened in the past.

“The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council Ministers are resolved to deploy a violent and urgent restrain and calm on all sides and agreed to continue consultations and to remain engaged,” the European official noted.

In the same connection, he said that the Council supports the initiative taken by Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the League of Arab States, together with Egypt and Jordan, to revise the Middle East Peace Process.

“We reiterated our commitment to a two-state solution, because it is the only solution. We don’t know any other [way]. Based in 1977 lines in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant United Nations resolutions.”

He also stressed the importance of sustained financial support for UNRWA and to continue the humanitarian and development support for the Palestinians in the occupied territories.