BICOM

The European Union’s 28 foreign ministers yesterday issued a strong statement which called for the disarmament of Hamas and other terror groups in the Gaza Strip and urged a two-state solution which addresses Israel’s security concerns.

The statement was issued at the conclusion of the monthly meeting of the Council of the European Union. Haaretz says that Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and his predecessor William Hague “helped to remove from the statement clauses that were critical of Israel.” The statement itself called for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza and said, “The EU strongly condemns the indiscriminate firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas and militant groups in the Gaza Strip, directly harming civilians. These are criminal and unjustifiable acts. The EU calls on Hamas to immediately put an end to these acts and to renounce violence. All terrorist groups in Gaza must disarm. The EU strongly condemns calls on the civilian population of Gaza to provide themselves as human shields.”

The statement also condemned the loss of civilian life, adding, “While recognizing Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself against any attacks, the EU underlines that the Israeli military operation must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law.”

Looking further ahead, the EU foreign ministers also said “the current crisis makes a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict more necessary than ever.” The statement explained, “an agreement that ends the occupation which began in 1967, that ends all claims and that fulfils the aspirations of both parties” must be reached through negotiations.

It added that such an agreement would need to include, “Security arrangements that, for Palestinians, respect their sovereignty and show that the occupation is over; and, for Israelis, protect their security, prevent the resurgence of terrorism and deal effectively with security threats, including with new and vital threats in the region.” Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently outlined the potential security impact of evolving regional dangers such as the advance of ISIS.