At the high-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed global leaders on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and reiterated support for a two-state solution.
“When the night is darkest, we must hold fast to our compass. And our compass is the two-State solution. 7 October has opened one of the darkest chapters in the history. We all agree that the tragedy in Gaza must stop right now. And hostages, released. But ending the war might not be enough, if there is no pathway to peace. If the prospect of two States is no longer viable. And as we speak, the two-State solution is being undermined. This cannot be. Because the only realistic peace plan is based on two States. With a secure Israel, a viable Palestinian State and the scourge of Hamas removed,” said von der Leyen.
She emphasized Europe’s role since the beginning of hostilities, noting significant financial support provided to Palestinian institutions: “Since the beginning of this war, Europe has been the lifeline of the Palestinian Authority. We have put together an unmatched and unprecedented financial package of EUR 1.6 billion. But as the very survival of the Palestinian Authority is at stake, we must all do more.”
Von der Leyen announced new initiatives aimed at supporting Palestinians economically and rebuilding Gaza: “This is why we will set up a Palestine Donor Group. Any future Palestinian State must be viable also from an economic point of view. And this can only be achieved with the support of Palestinians’ neighbours. We Europeans will set up a dedicated instrument for Gaza’s reconstruction – in coordination with other donors’ efforts. Gaza must be rebuilt. The Palestinian economy must be relaunched. And I invite all of you to join in effort to make this happen.”
She concluded by stressing that while ultimate decisions rest with Israelis and Palestinians, international actors have important roles: “Of course, in end, only Israelis and Palestinians can agree on way forward. But international community has so much to contribute. We can facilitate. We can rebuild. But most importantly, we can keep hope alive.”
Contact information for Paula Pinho (Chief Spokesperson), Arianna Podesta (Deputy Chief Spokesperson), and Olof Gill (Deputy Chief Spokesperson) was provided for further inquiries.
