EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton will arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday, where she said she intends to push forward the peace process, saying in a statement that there was "No alternative to a negotiated deal."
On her two-day visit, she will meet leaders from both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, a press release said, aiming to confirm the EU’s commitment to the peace process, and to reiterate the need for the opening of crossings into Gaza in order to allow for its reconstruction and economic recovery.
The visit comes amidst a silent peace process, with US officials reportedly continuing bi-lateral mediation efforts, while press reports allege that Palestinian proposals to deal with final status issues have gone unread.
Israeli officials have made recent public proposals relating to an interim Palestinian state, which was rejected by Palestinian leaders without hesitation.