Extracts from the debate on EU's relations with the Palestinian Authority during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The EU has a long-standing commitment to the vision of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine, living side by side with Israel in peace and security. The EU is workingwith the PA to build up the institutions of a future democratic, independent and viable Palestinian State. The draft recommendation adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) on 27 June 2023 reiterates the European Parliament's longstanding support for the official EU position on the two-state solution.

statement

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

EU - Palestine (T)

respect for human rights in the world (T)

GAHLER, Michael (EPP, DE)

SOLÉ, Jordi (Greens/EFA, ES)

URPILAINEN, Jutta (FI, EC)

BEER, Nicola (Renew, DE)

INCIR, Evin (S&D, SE)

NEMEC, Matjaž (S&D, SI)

Relations with the Palestinian Authority: extracts from the debate

Relations with the Palestinian Authority: extracts from the debate (EbS)

SOUNDBITE (English), Evin INCIR (S&amp;D, SE), Rapporteur, A well-functioning Palestinian Authority with control over the territories is an integral part towards a peaceful solution on the conflict and an end to the Israeli occupation.

SOUNDBITE (English), Evin INCIR (S&amp;D, SE), Rapporteur, The internationally recognised two state solution, according to the 1967 borders with the City of Jerusalem as the capital of both states, remains the best way of bringing lasting peace, stability, security and equal rights to both people.

SOUNDBITE (English), Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, The EU has reacted publicly on several occasions, including the recent military operation in Jenin and terrorist attacks in Israel and the West Bank. It is clear that the only way to break out of this vicious cycle is a return to effective security cooperation between the Palestinian Authority and Israel.

SOUNDBITE (English), Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, The EU remains the largest donor to the Palestinian people, with projects and interventions that cover almost all aspects of Palestinian life.

SOUNDBITE (English), Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, In January, the HRVP invited Palestinian Prime Minister to the Foreign Affairs Council meeting. We agreed to establish a regular political dialogue at ministerial level. We are planning to have the first such dialogue with the Palestinian counterpart in the autumn.

SOUNDBITE (German), Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), As the main financers of the Palestinian Authority we want this authority to fight nepotism, corruption and we have to make sure that there isn't any form of anti- Semitic behaviour and no support for any violence. It respects independence of judiciary and Palestinian civil society and all minorities, including Christians, and those freedoms should be left to them. As is usual in any democratic society.

SOUNDBITE (Slovenian), Matja&#382; NEMEC (S&amp;D, SI), The world and Europe need to wake up. War crimes are being committed in Palestine. Israel's moves are in flagrant violation of all international treaties and law. I therefore strongly support the report by my colleague is having, which comes at the right time and addresses key challenges. Stop the occupation. Sanctions for violators. For Palestinian independence. For peace and coexistence between two equal peoples.

SOUNDBITE (German), Nicola BEER (Renew, DE), Our expectations vis a vis the P.A. that it fight corruption to protect religious and other minorities, that it promotes civil society rather than repressing it, and that it urgently hold elections to create democratic legitimacy. It's moreover, vital that we continue demanding resolute and measurable progress from the P.A.. Further, EU support for the P.A. must not be seen as a carte blanche for business as usual. The P.A. must now deliver.

SOUNDBITE (English), Jordi SOL&#201; (Greens/EFA, ES), Instead of trust building measures that could allow for the resumption of the peace process, the heart, the harsh reality on the ground is again an escalation of violence. The EU must focus its attention on what's happening in the West Bank and intensify our efforts for de-escalation. We shouldn't let the extremists keep instrumentalized the conflict or else we will lose again Chances for a future in peace.