Watch: ‘We Will Always Push For A Fair Two-State Solution’, Roberta Metsola Says After ‘Tough’ Israel Visit
European President Roberta Metsola reiterated her position on the deteriorating situation in Gaza last night in Brussels, saying the EP stance remains solidly fixed on ensuring a two-state solution in the highly disputed region.
“Even in the darkest of times, our Parliament has always and will always push for a fair two-state solution that is equitable and just,” Metsola said in the address. “We will always push for a sustainable and lasting peace. I said this in the Knesset and in Ramallah when I visited President Abbas last year and it bears repeating now. Sadly, the vile actions of Hamas terrorists have pushed this prospect further away.”
Metsola also made reference to her visit to Israel last weekend, one which she not only described as “tough”, but also went on to say was “one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do as President”.
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“I travelled to Israel on the invitation of the Knesset to express our solidarity, to reiterate our rejection of terrorism, to visit the sites of the atrocities, to urge for the release of nearly 200 hostages, to meet survivors and underline that how Israel responds to the attack matters to all of us,” she clarified. “To emphasise that we must keep looking for solutions for the humanitarian consequences in Gaza in line with our obligations and international law. It was a message that I made and will keep making.”
“Today, the situation in Gaza remains impossible for so many,” she continued. “Our focus must remain on ensuring that the hostages kidnapped are released unconditionally, that humanitarian aid reaches those in need, that civilians are not targeted, that safe corridors are maintained, and that we keep engaging with the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people and regional actors to de-escalate tensions in the region and neighbouring areas.”
“Tomorrow there will be an extraordinary European Council and this House debates this issue on Wednesday,” Metsola finished. “I know that this Parliament and all of you will keep doing everything we can.”
What do you make of Metsola’s latest speech on the ongoing conflict?
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