Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2012-11-21-Speech-3-403-000"
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"en.20121121.26.3-403-000"2
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"Mr President, honourable Members, we are now in the eighth day of the current conflict in Gaza and Israel. I am sure you followed developments last night as closely as I did and with the same hope that a ceasefire would be attained. Regrettably our hopes proved to be premature. While I understand there were indeed intensive negotiations on a possible ceasefire, to come into effect at midnight last night local time, the announcement of such a truce was postponed. Negotiations have continued today – it is vital that they succeed.
The EU will continue to play a leading role on the humanitarian front and already dedicates a considerable proportion of its Palestinian assistance programme to the Gaza Strip. This includes not only our support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees – the majority of the Gaza population being Palestinian refugees – but also direct financial assistance to support vulnerable Palestinian families. The EU is also providing support to sustain vital social services, including in the health sector, and is engaged in upgrading the Palestinian side of the key Gaza-Israel crossing at Kerem Shalom, through which so much of the support on which Gaza depends must pass.
The EU stands ready to reactivate the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) at Rafah, once political and security conditions allow, to ensure its third-party role at the crossing point there, as set out in the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access.
Fully recognising Israel’s legitimate security needs, the EU continues to call for a complete stop to all arms smuggling into Gaza. At the same time, it also continues to call for the immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from the Gaza Strip. Gaza’s position remains unsustainable for as long as it continues to be politically separated from the West Bank.
The EU reiterates its readiness to assist in the reconstruction and economic recovery of Gaza, in close partnership with the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Government, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1860.
Honourable Members, the recent upsurge of violence in Gaza and Israel, against the background of a seismic shift in the political landscape of the Middle East and North Africa, shows how fragile the region continues to be. Moving towards resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would help to stabilise the entire region and would reward those who are committed to non-violence. The EU has a strong interest in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations for statehood and Israel’s aspirations for security, including against regional threats.
A ceasefire, if properly implemented, would help but would not be sufficient. The need to find a sustainable solution for Gaza is more urgent than ever – a long-term solution which will not lead to yet another round of violence. To that end, and as soon as is practicable, the EU will intensify its contacts with its partners within the Quartet, and with other key players, to explore all possibilities for creating a new dynamic in the peace process.
Honourable Members, I have just been informed that Egypt confirms an agreement on a ceasefire. We will seek confirmation of this information but I wanted to let you know without delay about this development.
The United Nations Security Council met last night to discuss developments and will resume discussions later today in New York if need be.
Throughout the day I have also been receiving reports of a terrorist attack on a bus in Tel Aviv. This has to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured. The European Union reiterates its strong and unequivocal condemnation of all forms and acts of terrorism – irrespective of their origin, cause or motive – and its unwavering commitment to the fight against terrorism.
The situation on the ground is very volatile and attacks continue in both Israel and Gaza. We reiterate our call for an urgent de-escalation and cessation of hostilities. The diplomatic focus is now on a ceasefire as a stepping stone to a longer-lasting solution. In order to achieve this, the High Representative/Vice-President is in continuing close contact with key players in the region and elsewhere. During the last few days she has been reaching out in particular to Egypt, the US, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the UN and the Arab League. She co-chaired the EU/League of Arab States ministerial meeting in Cairo, where she was able to speak to key players including Egyptian President Morsi and Arab League Secretary-General Elaraby. She has remained in constant touch throughout.
As you will have seen, on Monday 19 November the Foreign Affairs Council agreed conclusions on the violence in Gaza and Israel and on efforts to achieve a ceasefire.
The European Union calls for a ceasefire and an immediate de-escalation, given the continuing violence over the last few days and mounting civilian losses. The EU has strongly condemned the rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip, which Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza must cease immediately. We have also stressed the need for all sides fully to respect international humanitarian law. Protection of civilians should be strictly ensured at all times. By recalling the EU’s overall position on the Gaza blockade, this text represents a balanced consensus but also reflects clear and strong EU positions on the current situation and demonstrates a unity of purpose in the present crisis.
The situation in Gaza has placed Egypt at the heart of international efforts to bring about a solution to the crisis. On Monday, the EU stated its support for the efforts by Egypt and others to achieve a rapid ceasefire. It also welcomed the mission of the UN Secretary-General to the region and supported him in his efforts to bring about peace. The EU now stands ready to do what it can to encourage all sides to ensure the implementation of a ceasefire.
Honourable Members, a ceasefire is in the interests of both sides, and not least of the civilian population, which has already taken a heavy toll over the past few days, enduring both physical and psychological trauma. The loss of civilian lives on both sides has been tragic.
The humanitarian situation, already precarious in Gaza, has inevitably taken a turn for the worse, but humanitarian support is still available. The vital border crossing for goods at Kerem Shalom has remained open throughout the hostilities. For the time being, food is not in short supply. The World Food Programme continues its food distribution activities. Gaza’s limited power supply has not been seriously affected but clean water and drugs are in short supply."@en1
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