Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union fully supports the US, Egypt, and Qatar’s call for a ceasefire and hostage release negotiations to resolve the Gaza crisis.
How does the EU support the ceasefire call?
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell has released a statement on behalf of the EU in support of the call by the Leaders of the US, Egypt and Qatar to conclude a ceasefire and hostage release negotiations.
According to the statement, the European Union fully endorses the call by the Leaders of the US, Egypt and Qatar to conclude the ceasefire and hostages and detainees release agreement.
Moreover, the EU has consistently sustained the tireless actions by the US, Egypt and Qatar to enable the negotiations to end the conflict and accommodated the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2735, based on the principles delineated by President Biden on 31 May 2024. Last June, EU leaders, while admitting Israel’s right to defend itself, called for the full enactment of the terms of the ceasefire proposal without delay and conditions.
The EU has repeatedly restated its deep concern with the crisis in Gaza and deplored the loss of civilian life, citing the unacceptable number of civilian casualties. The agreement on ceasefire and hostages and detainees release is urgently required. That deal will also pave the way for a regional de-escalation.
What are the phases of the proposed ceasefire?
United States President Joe Biden, along with the heads of Egypt and Qatar, stepped up measures to get Israel and Hamas back to the negotiating table for truce talks. In a joint statement issued, the three leaders advised the two sides to return to negotiations, on Aug. 15, “to close all remaining holes” on a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
“It is time to bring immediate relief both to the long-suffering people of Gaza as well as the long-suffering hostages and their families,” the three leaders expressed in the statement. “The time has come to conclude” the cease-fire, along with deals for releasing hostages and detainees, according to the statement. “As mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties,” the leaders noted.
The deal would be established on a three-phase proposal drafted by Biden in May and approved by the United Nations Security Council. The first phase would include a comprehensive cease-fire in Gaza for six weeks, with Israeli forces retreating from all populated areas of the enclave. The two warring sides would start negotiations and exchange several Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and the return of bodies of Israelis slain by Hamas. Civilians would be permitted to return to their houses throughout Gaza, and humanitarian aid would be greatly increased.
