Sánchez calls together with Belgium, Ireland and Malta for a common European position in Gaza and a lasting ceasefire

European leaders send a letter to Charles Michel to warn that the conflict may escalate in the West Bank and throughout the region

MADRID, 9 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the Prime Ministers of Belgium, Alexander de Croo; Ireland, Leo Varadkar; and Malta, Robert Abela, have written to the President of the European Council Charles Michel to denounce the seriousness of the situation in Gaza and ask for a "durable" ceasefire, as well as a "clear and common" position at the European level.

The Spanish president and his counterparts in Belgium, Ireland and Malta have decided to send this letter after the UN Secretary General has activated article 99 for the Security Council to deal with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

In addition to this warning, European leaders ask that a "serious debate" be held in next week's Council on what is happening in the Middle East, with the aim of the European Union agreeing on a "clear and common position." "about the conflict.

They point out that two months after the start of hostilities, the number of fatalities and the terrible humanitarian situation have reached alarming levels.

Likewise, they have also reiterated their "strong condemnation" of the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on October 7 and call for the immediate release of the hostages. As they have also recognized Israel's right to defend itself, but always in accordance with International Law and Humanitarian Law.

For their part, they welcome the humanitarian pause that has allowed the partial release of hostages, the increase in humanitarian aid and the protection of Palestinian civilians. However, they consider that the European Union must go further and "urgently" ask the parties to declare a lasting humanitarian ceasefire that could lead to the end of hostilities.

"Effective measures must be immediately adopted to protect innocent civilians," stressed the signatories, expressing their "deep concern" about the "unbearable" number of casualties in Gaza.

European leaders demand that humanitarian aid reach "those who need it in a sustained manner and in sufficient quantity" and recall that preventing the arrival of aid to civilians "may contravene international law."

Next, the letter emphasizes that it is "necessary and urgent" to open a political process to materialize the two-state solution in which "one cannot return to the status quo prior to October 7", the date on which the the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

In this framework, Sánchez and the other signatories believe it is necessary to provide adequate financial and political support to the Palestinian Authority to take control of Gaza. "This is vital," they say, also for Israel's security.

To all this they add that escalation in the West Bank must be avoided, for which they propose prohibiting movement in specific areas and freezing the assets of violent settlers who are attacking communities of displaced Palestinians.

They also insist on the need to convene an international peace conference with the parties "as soon as possible", to materialize the two-state solution, as established in the conclusions of the European Council of October 26.

"The credible prospect of recognition of a Palestinian State, alongside the State of Israel, is the basis for progress towards mutual recognition, peace and security in the region," the letter maintains.

Finally, Spain, Belgium, Ireland and Malta affirm that these are "dark hours" for millions of people in Palestine and Israel and warn that "across Europe" anti-Semitic incidents have resurfaced. "We cannot tolerate it," the signatories add, concluding by saying that "it is time for the European Union to act." "Our credibility is at stake," they emphasize.