EU pushes for Gazan’s return and pledges post-war support
The European Union (EU) plans to inform Israel that Palestinians displaced from Gaza must be guaranteed a dignified return to their homes and that Europe will support efforts to rebuild the devastated territory, according to a draft document, the Arab Weekly reports.
This stance aligns with positions held by Arab nations but directly contradicts former U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision, in which the United States would take control of Gaza, reconstruct it into a “Riviera of the Middle East,” and facilitate the emigration of its residents to other countries.
As a key financial supporter of Palestinian aid, the EU intends to present its position to Israeli representatives in Brussels on February 24 during the EU-Israel Association Council meeting, marking the first such discussion since 2022.
The document outlining the EU’s position stresses both Europe’s commitment to Israel’s security and its insistence that “displaced Gazans should be ensured a safe and dignified return to their homes.”
“The EU will actively contribute to a coordinated international effort to early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza,” the statement says, while also emphasising the need for full humanitarian access.
“The EU deeply deplores the unacceptable number of civilians, especially women and children, who have lost their lives, and the catastrophic humanitarian situation notably caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza, in particular in the North.”
Israel launched its offensive on Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas fighters, who crossed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
With regards to Gazan displacement, Israel is in favour of Trump’s plans, and has taken government and military action in support.
Palestinian health officials report that more than 48,000 people have been killed in Gaza, and humanitarian agencies estimate that much of the territory has been destroyed, with its 2.3 million pre-war residents repeatedly displaced.
“The EU strongly opposes all actions that undermine the viability of the two-state solution,” the document adds, reaffirming its stance that Palestinians should have an independent state alongside Israel.
The Arab Weekly
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