During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (17-20 May 2021), following the recent escalation of violence MEPs debate on the EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine: opening statements by Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Brussels

statement

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plenary session

EU - Israel (T)

EU - Palestine (T)

peace process in the Middle East (T)

SANTOS SILVA, Augusto (PT)

EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine: opening statement by Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Madam President, honourable members of the European Parliament. For over a week, we have been witnessing one of the worst upsurges in violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory for many years. The grave escalation in and around the Gaza follows days of clashes in Jerusalem, including to the Haram al-Sharif Temple Mount. We are particularly dismayed at the large numbers of civilian deaths and injuries, including children, be the result of Israeli air strikes in Gaza or of indiscriminate rocket attacks launched from Gaza.

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, The fighting must stop. It must stop immediately. The high representative has been active in calling for restraint and responsible acting. He spoke with President Abbas and to the Israeli foreign minister, Gabi Ashkenazi. He has also spoken with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, as well as yesterday with the United and United States secretary of state and Tony Blinken. And the high representative is also working closely with member states.

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, An extraordinary meeting of the foreign affairs ministers is happening by now. Let us be very clear. The EU has condemned the indiscriminate launching of rockets towards Israeli civilians. It is unacceptable and must stop. We understand Israel is right to protect its civilian population. Nevertheless, we expect its response to be proportionate with maximum restraint in the use of force.

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, The European Union is working in every way it can to end the hostilities and to support the mediation efforts of the United Nations, Egypt and others. We will continue to work with all relevant parties and the international community, including through the quartette, as a matter of urgency to UN Security Council also held an important discussion on Sunday where all council members agreed on the need to immediately end the violence for everyone.

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, The priority now must be immediate de-escalation in order to protect civilian lives. All sides must uphold international humanitarian law and provide for full humanitarian access. And all efforts should be directed at avoiding further civilian casualties and preventing the alarming loss of life. We have seen thus far. Too many terrible consequences of this latest escalation have already been considerable.

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Many of us have strong views on the proximate causes of this latest conflict. Indeed, the events in Jerusalem during the recent period of the Muslim holy days have been alarming. We were deeply concerned by the clashes at Haram al-Sharif Temple Mount. Again, let us be clear, in a city that is home to three to the three monotheistic religions, all sides must uphold and fully respect the status quo of the holy sites.

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Freedom of worship and peaceful freedom of assembly must be guaranteed. The situation with regard to the eviction of Palestinian families in Sheikh Shara'a and other areas of East Jerusalem also remains of serious concern. It is vital that Israel does not allow them to be carried out. Such actions are illegal in international law and only fuelled tensions on the grounds. All leaders continue to have a responsible.

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ability to act against extremists, against violence and incitement, and to do everything in their power to calm the situation. Tragically, this is a cycle of violence that we have seen all too often. We need this to change. These latest events, including the situation in Gaza, underline the urgent need to look beyond the current clashes and to restore a political horizon towards a negotiated two state solution.

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, The status quo in Gaza in particular, proves that the current situation is fundamentally unsustainable. I conclude, Madam President, saying both Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve to live in safety and security, enjoying equal rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy. A new age for Palestinian elections held across all of the Palestinian territory, including in East Jerusalem, must be said without delay. There is still time to de-escalate and to provide to prevent further loss of lives. The violence must end now, right now. Thank you.