EU steps in as Palestinians face displacement crisis
The EU and twelve countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Canada on June 4th issued a joint statement in solidarity with the displacement crisis facing Palestinians, Middle East Eye reported.
They expressed strong support for the Palestinian community of Mughayir a-Deir. This West Bank village has seen its residents flee due to increasing settler violence.
The statement urged Israel to dismantle the nearby settler outpost and enable the safe return of displaced Palestinians. The signatories called on Israel to uphold its legal responsibilities under international law.
Previously, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed on April 30th that Britain is holding talks with France and Saudi Arabia, Middle East Eye reported. The discussions focus on recognising a Palestinian state ahead of the UN conference in New York.
Addressing the House of Lords, Lammy called the lack of Palestinian statehood unacceptable and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution.
Additionally, on May 28th, Middle East Eye reported via Politico that France is urging European countries like the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands to recognise Palestine as a state. President Emmanuel Macron believed this step could revive peace talks with Israel.
A French diplomat warned that war, displacement, and settler violence are jeopardising the two-state solution. President Macron is also pushing for Arab states to recognise Israel. Meanwhile, Israel strongly opposes international recognition of a Palestinian state, describing it as a reward for Palestinian militant actions.
Middle East Eye, Politico
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