Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers were scheduled to meet in the European capital, Brussels, for a meeting between the European Union and its southern neighbors on Monday, but the Palestinian Authority denied that the two would actually meet.
This marks the first time since the Gaza conflict started in October 2023 that Israeli and Palestinian ministers have attended a high-level meeting together. Although they often meet at the United Nations, this occasion is a more private, high-level forum.
It occurs during the week when EU member states are debating possible measures against Israel for its Gaza war and violence by Israeli Settlers in the West Bank.
The office of Israel’s foreign minister announced that, in addition to the ministerial meeting, Gideon Saar would have discussions with EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, and Dubravka Suica, the Commissioner for the Mediterranean. The statement also noted that Saar is likely to meet with other foreign ministers during the event.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) based in Ramallah confirmed that Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin was present, but denied media reports suggesting a discussion with Saar was scheduled.
What will Shahin highlight in her EU speech?
A statement stated that Shahin would give a speech
“focusing on the suffering of the Palestinian people under the ongoing war of extermination and displacement in the Gaza Strip, the systematic starvation policy practised by the occupying state, and the financial blockade imposed on the Palestinian government”.
She also plans to address the escalating violence in the occupied West Bank, where Israel’s ongoing military operation in the north has displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians over several months.
The foreign ministry announced that Shahin was planned to meet with Kallas and several other European foreign ministers.
“The minister will demand an immediate halt to the crimes of genocide, displacement, and annexation, and to compel the Israeli government to comply with the international will for peace and open a political negotiation process to end the occupation and enable our people to exercise their right to self-determination,” the statement said.
How are Israeli actions straining EU-Israel relations?
As reported, the meeting occurs amid strained relations between the EU and Israel, especially after Israel blocked food supplies to Gaza, and Palestinian health officials and witnesses reported recent shootings by Israeli soldiers targeting Palestinians heading to humanitarian aid sites.
On July 15th, the EU 27 foreign ministers are also set to review ten options after analyzing the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which showed that Tel Aviv violated Article 2 because of its actions in Gaza.
The proposals, detailed with their legal grounds and implementation process, include suspending the “entire” EU-Israel Association Agreement, stopping political dialogue with Israel, or preventing Tel Aviv from participating in EU programs, all of which need the unanimous approval of the 27 member states.
