‘’Simply returning to the situation before the latest conflict is not an option. Hamas and other militant groups must stop all threats to Israel,’’ the European Union said in a first reaction to the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza conflict.
"We welcome the ceasefire agreement in Gaza that brings an end to the suffering and loss of life, particularly among civilians. The humanitarian situation in Gaza must now be urgently addressed and we call on the parties to respect the ceasefire,’’ the EU said in a statement published by the EEAS, its external diplomatic service.
‘’We commend Egypt's mediation efforts and urge the Israelis and Palestinians to seize this opportunity to negotiate a comprehensive and sustainable agreement,’’ it said.
The EU stressed that a sustainable agreement ‘’should address all the root causes of the conflict and bring fundamental change to the situation in Gaza.’’
The statement adds : ‘’The socio-economic conditions should be improved by ending the Gaza closure regime. The Palestinian government of national consensus, under the leadership of President Abbas, should exercise effective administration of the Gaza Strip. Hamas and other militant groups must stop all threats to Israel. A durable peace can only be achieved through the resumption of the Middle East peace process, leading to a two state solution.’’
The EU expresse dits readiness ‘’to contribute, together with the international community, to a lasting solution meeting the legitimate security, humanitarian and socio-economic needs of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples."