Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Foreign Minister of Israel Gideon Saar urged constructive dialogue but prepared for criticism from some European nations as he landed for talks in Brussels.
Gideon Saar is meeting senior European officials, stirring dialogue with the European Union as the bloc assumes a role in the reconstruction of Gaza following last month’s ceasefire agreement.
“I’m looking for a constructive dialogue, an open and honest one, and I believe that this is what it will be,”
Saar briefed journalists on arrival.
“We know how to face criticism,”
he stated, adding
“it’s okay as long as criticism is not connected to delegitimisation, demonisation, or double standards … but we are ready to discuss everything with an open mind”.
The Foreign Minister of Israel will co-chair a discussion of the EU-Israel Association Council with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Discussions are set to concentrate on the humanitarian
situation in Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian relations and transforming regional dynamics.
The Israeli foreign minister stated that within the EU “there are very friendly countries, there are less friendly countries”, but that Monday’s session showed a willingness to continue normal connections.
What is the EU’s stance on displaced Gazans’ return?
According to a draft document seen by Reuters, at the session, the EU will stress both Europe‘s dedication to Israel’s security and its opinion that “displaced Gazans should be ensured a safe and dignified return to their homes in Gaza.”
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump surprised Arab nations and Western partners by suggesting the United States “take over” Gaza, permanently replacing its Palestinian inhabitants and making the “Riviera of the Middle East“.
The war began when Hamas-led militants launched a cross-border raid on Israeli communities that slew 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, according to Israel.
The Israeli retaliatory offensive has slain at least 48,000 people, Palestinian health authorities state, forcing hundreds of thousands into makeshift shelters and dependent on aid trucks.
