On Monday several foreign ministers of the European Union argued for the creation of a Palestinian state, stating that it is the only credible way to achieve peace in the Middle East.
They also expressed concern over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's steadfast rejection of the idea of a Palestinian state at Israel's southern border.
"The declarations of Benjamin Netanyahu are worrying. There will be a need for a Palestinian state with security guarantees for all," French Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Sejourne told reporters in Brussels, where ministers met to discuss the war in Gaza.
Deep Divisions on Diplomacy with Israel
The European Union is the top provider of aid to the Palestinians but they hold no sway over Israel, despite being its biggest trade partner. The 27-member EU is deeply divided about their approach to diplomacy with Israel, but they have increasingly been in unison over calls for a ceasefire.
"Gaza is in a situation of extreme urgency. There is a risk of famine. There is a risk of epidemics. The violence must stop," said Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency.
"We demand an immediate cease-fire, the release of the hostages, the respect of international law (and) a return to the peace process, which must lead to the creation of two states living in peace side by side," Lahbib said, describing a two-state solution as "the only way to establish peace in a durable way in the region."
Israel is at least months, if not years, away from achieving its goal of crushing Hamas and freeing the remaining hostages. However, Netanyahu's only solution post-combat is for an open-ended military occupation of Gaza.
The European Union invited foreign ministers from Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Palestinians, and a representative of the Arab League to take part in the discussions, which took place Monday. However, representatives for Israel and the Palestinians were unable to meet one another, according to the Associated Press.
"Which are the other solutions they have in mind?," asked EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who chaired the meeting. "To make all the Palestinians leave? To kill off them?"
"We have to call collectively for a cease-fire. We cannot accept anything less," Palestinian foreign minister Riad Malki said.
He also called on the EU "to start contemplating sanctions against Netanyahu and others who are really destroying the chances for a two-state solution and for peace in the Middle East."
