BRUSSELS: Israel’s plan to destroy Islamist Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza is not working and European Union must pursue efforts to create “Two-state solution” despite Israeli opposition, EU foreign policy Chief Josep Borrell said.

Borrell spoke at monthly gathering of EU foreign ministers, attended this time by counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan and Arab League Secretary General.

Alluding to Israel’s stated objective of annihilating Hamas in its devastating three-month-old war in Gaza Strip, Borrell told reporters, “What are other solutions they have in mind.

Make all Palestinians leave? Kill all of them? Way they are destroying Hamas is not way to do it. They are sealing hate for generations.”

Borrell said he wanted to press ahead with international efforts to create process that would lead to Palestinian state co-existing alongside Israel.

Ahead of Brussels meeting, EU’s diplomatic service sent discussion paper to its 27 member countries, suggesting roadmap to peace in broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

EU paper also suggests peace conference participants should spell out “consequences” for both sides, depending on whether they accept or reject plan approved by gathering.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 23 2024

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