1509th Meeting of the Committee of Ministers (9 October 2024) EU Statement on the Middle East

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

1. For the past year, our continent has witnessed a catastrophic and ever-worsening humanitarian situation on its doorstep, since the brutal terrorist attacks conducted by Hamas and other terrorist groups against Israel on 7 October 2023. In line with the commitments made by Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe in Reykjavik, the European Union remains dedicated to enhancing the Council of Europe's engagement with the Southern Neighbourhood, based on our shared principles. To this end, we must take into consideration the far-reaching effects of the crisis within our own societies and beyond, including the troubling rise of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred.

1. The EU condemns all acts of terrorism and deplores all loss of civilian life, all violence and hostilities against civilians, and attacks against civilian objects and infrastructure. It reiterates its utmost concern at the unacceptable number of civilian casualties on all sides, especially children, women and humanitarian workers, as well as the growing number of civilians who are injured, displaced, held hostage, or remain unaccounted for. Innocent lives must always be safeguarded.

1. In this regard, the EU and its Member States, call for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735, leading to an immediate and enduring ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance at scale to aid the many Palestinian civilians in urgent need, with Israel's security interests and safety for Palestinian civilians assured.

1. The EU stresses that the services UNRWA provides in Gaza and across the region are essential and condemns any attempts to label a UN agency as a terrorist organisation. The EU welcomes the action plan presented by UNRWA and is monitoring its implementation.

1. The EU remains firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution, where Palestinians and Israelis have an equal right to safety, dignity and peace, in adherence with the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

1. To this end, the EU reiterates its call on all parties to comply fully with their obligations under international law, including International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law, and to respect and implement the orders of the International Court of Justice. Potential violations of international humanitarian law need to be thoroughly and independently investigated and accountability ensured.

1. Reaffirming the Council of Europe's prominent role in international standard-setting on media freedom and safety of journalists, the EU calls on all parties to take every feasible step to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers, who continue to face life-threatening risks while performing their duties.

1. The prospect of this escalating conflict spiralling into an all-out war in the region is greater than ever before. The EU is gravely concerned by the latest developments and the widening hostilities, and urges all parties to show maximum restraint in the interest of de-escalation and the protection of civilian lives. It will continue to engage in efforts with regional and international partners to prevent further regional escalation, which would result in a crisis of unpredictable consequences and untold proportions affecting the most vulnerable, especially children.

The following countries align with this statement: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom.