“The EU cannot stand by as innocent civilians, including aid workers and journalists, face death or starvation. This is a crucial point for foreign ministers to remember during their informal meeting in Copenhagen this weekend,” Lahbib stated in an interview. “We must exhibit the political courage to articulate a strong voice that embodies our values and principles.”
Recently, the United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza. “This marks the first such occurrence in the Middle East. It is a famine that could have been prevented if we had been allowed to deliver our humanitarian aid. This famine is entirely man-made, while vast amounts of humanitarian assistance are waiting just a short distance from those suffering,” Lahbib emphasized.
The Belgian Eurocommissioner also highlighted the potential deportation of the population following the Israeli government’s decision “to assume control over the entire Gaza Strip.” Additionally, Lahbib pointed out that the new settlement initiatives by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in the West Bank pose a threat to the two-state solution.
Lahbib asserts that the European Union possesses the means to take action but is hesitant to direct the deeply divided member states on what to do. While some advocate for economic sanctions, there is no consensus for that approach. France and several other member states aim to pursue recognition of the Palestinian state by the end of September. “This could be beneficial; it may pave the way for a two-state solution if it extends beyond mere symbolic recognition,” the liberal politician noted. She also advocates for “concrete and pragmatic solutions.”
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