Israel’s Foreign Minister to Meet EU Officials in Brussels, Reviving Dialogue on Gaza Reconstruction
Background
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, will meet senior European officials in Brussels on Monday, marking a revival of dialogue between the two sides as the European Union considers a role in the reconstruction of Gaza following last month’s ceasefire deal.
The Meeting
Saar will co-chair a meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, focusing on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and changing regional dynamics.
Israel’s Ambassador’s View
"Monday’s association council is an important opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the partnership between Israel and the EU," Israel’s ambassador to the EU, Haim Regev, told Reuters.
EU’s Stance
The EU’s 27 member countries have negotiated a compromise position that praises areas of cooperation with Israel while also raising concerns. At the meeting, the EU will emphasize both Europe’s commitment to Israel’s security and its view that "displaced Gazans should be ensured a safe and dignified return to their homes in Gaza," according to a draft document seen by Reuters.
Hamas Attacks and Israel’s Response
The Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s response, exposed sharp divisions within the EU. While all members condemned the Hamas attacks, some staunchly defended Israel’s war in Gaza as others condemned Israel’s military campaign and its toll on civilians.
US Proposal
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump upset Arab nations and Western allies by proposing the US "take over" Gaza, permanently displacing its Palestinian inhabitants and creating the "Riviera of the Middle East."
The War
The war started when Hamas-led fighters launched a cross-border attack on Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israel. The Israeli retaliatory offensive has killed at least 48,000 people, Palestinian health authorities say, leaving some hundreds of thousands of people in makeshift shelters and dependent on aid trucks.
Conclusion
The meeting between Israel’s foreign minister and EU officials marks a significant step towards reviving dialogue on the reconstruction of Gaza. The EU’s compromise position acknowledges both the importance of Israel’s security and the need for a safe and dignified return of displaced Gazans to their homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the meeting between Israel’s foreign minister and EU officials?
The meeting aims to revive dialogue on the reconstruction of Gaza following last month’s ceasefire deal. - What will the meeting focus on?
The meeting will focus on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and changing regional dynamics. - What is the EU’s stance on the conflict?
The EU has negotiated a compromise position that praises areas of cooperation with Israel while also raising concerns. - What is the US proposal for Gaza?
The US President has proposed the US "take over" Gaza, permanently displacing its Palestinian inhabitants and creating the "Riviera of the Middle East."