EU urges Israel to adopt two-state solution – Baerbock: “Only solution”

War in the Middle East

Israel is coming under increasing pressure: The EU is increasingly pushing for a two-state solution. Foreign Minister Baerbock also sees this as “the only solution” – and indirectly criticizes Netanyahu.

More news about the war in the Middle East

International pressure on Israel for a two-state solution is increasing: EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday on the sidelines of a foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels that Israel could achieve peace “not only through military means.”

Baerbock criticizes Netanyahu

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) called the two-state solution “the only solution”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects an independent Palestinian state.

Baerbock criticized Netanyahu clearly, without mentioning him by name. “Even those who don’t want to know anything about it have not yet come up with any other alternative,” she said, referring to the two-state solution in Brussels.

Katz travels to Brussels

Israeli chief diplomat Israel Katz is expected at the foreign ministers’ meeting. The EU representatives will meet for a separate meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad al-Maliki.

The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia are also coming to Brussels.

also read

Germany rejects ceasefire

Baerbock pointed out that, according to US information, Israel now allows flour deliveries to the Gaza Strip via its port of Ashdod.

This is a small step to alleviate the humanitarian situation. “A tiny step towards a two-state solution, but it is precisely these small steps that are needed now,” she added.

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, whose country holds the EU Council Presidency this six months, called for an “immediate ceasefire.” Baerbock, on the other hand, spoke out in favor of “humanitarian breaks”. The federal government rejects a ceasefire at this time and justifies this with Israel’s right to self-defense.

The EU foreign ministers also want to approve new sanctions against members of the radical Islamic Hamas. Hamas’ major attack on Israel on October 7 triggered the Gaza War. The EU and the USA classify the militia as a “terrorist organization”. (AFP/lag)

Updated on January 21, 2024, 10:16 a.m

Israeli baby Kfir Bibas is Hamas’ latest hostage in the Gaza Strip. His relatives symbolically celebrated his first birthday in Tel Aviv, although they do not know whether Kfir is still alive.

“This is how the editorial team works” informs you when and what we report on, how we deal with errors and where our content comes from. When reporting, we adhere to the guidelines of Journalism Trust Initiative.