01/21/2024 9:30 pm (current 01/21/2024 9:30 pm)
EU foreign policy chief Borrell brings the conflicting parties to Brussels ©APA/AFP
Foreign ministers from EU states want to discuss with Middle Eastern counterparts on Monday about possible initiatives for a lasting solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The secretary general of the Arab League, Ahmed Abul Gheit, as well as the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan are expected to participate in the talks in Brussels. The EU's top diplomats want to exchange ideas separately with their colleagues from Israel and Palestine.
According to a senior EU foreign service diplomat, a central theme of the talks will be the possible establishment of an independent Palestinian state with simultaneous security guarantees for Israel. A political perspective for the Palestinian people could also influence the current war between Islamic Hamas and Israel, he said before the meeting. The aim must be for Israel to have completely normal relations with Arab countries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reiterated his rejection of a two-state solution and emphasized that Israel claims military control over the entire West Bank.
In addition to the conflict in the Middle East, the second important topic at the EU meeting will be the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ministers want to hear from their Ukrainian colleague Dmytro Kuleba about the current situation. In addition, possible long-term security commitments by the EU and increased military support will be discussed. At least on the sidelines of the meeting, current plans for an EU military operation to secure merchant shipping in the Red Sea will also be discussed. It must be decided by February at the latest and started immediately. The Yemeni Houthi militia supports the allied terrorist organization Hamas with attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) will participate in the EU consultations for Austria.