While participating in the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Minister Ian Borg reiterated that a two-state solution is crucial for peace in the Middle East. The Foreign Affairs Council meeting convened to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, particularly the regional escalation with attacks in the Red Sea by the Yemeni Houthis and the increasingly dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
Minister Borg condemned once again the atrocious attacks by Hamas against Israeli citizens on October 7th and the indiscriminate rocket fire, and all called for the release of all hostages currently held by Hamas.
However, Minister Borg stated that the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza cannot be ignored. Minister Borg expressed Malta’s concern about the dire needs of the Palestinians in Gaza, the continued settler violence in the West Bank, and the demolitions in East Jerusalem.
EU Foreign Ministers exchanged views with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Maliki and regional foreign affairs Ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the League of Arab States.
In the discussion with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Minister Borg cautioned against the lack of political horizon to the situation of the Palestinians, as this risks regional escalation. Minister Borg, while acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself, stated that violent acts against Palestinians by violent settlers must stop, and full accountability must be ensured.
Minister Borg reiterated Malta’s support for the EU efforts aimed at revamping and revitalising the Palestinian Authority. In the discussion with the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyal ad-Maliki Minister Borg commended the Palestinian Authority for the role it is playing in establishing a political horizon and its efforts towards a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
