Chair,  

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Bosnia and Herzegovina,  Iceland,  Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, and Ukraine.  

The EU is gravely concerned about the situation in Gaza. An immediate return to the ceasefire is essential, leading to the release of all hostages and a permanent end to hostilities. Unimpeded humanitarian aid access and distribution, as well as the supply of electricity to Gaza, must be resumed immediately. In exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, in all circumstances. The EU reiterates the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers, as well as civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, schools and UN premises. The EU also deplores the refusal of Hamas to hand over the remaining hostages. Too many Israelis and Palestinians have suffered and the death toll of civilians in Gaza is unacceptable. It is time to break the cycle of violence and ensure peace and security for all. 

In this vein, we reiterate our commitment to international law and to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. The launch of “the Global alliance for the implementation of the two-State solution” was an important step to demonstrate this commitment. The EU will continue to spare no effort to help revive a political process in partnership with regional and international partners. A credible pathway to Palestinian statehood is a crucial component of that political process. The EU has pledged robust support of 1.6 billion EUR for the period 2025-2027 to foster Palestinian recovery and resilience. The package includes support to the PA, which is linked with reforms. We look forward to the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia in June in New York.   

Chair, 

The EU is playing its part to try to ease the difficult situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. The EU announced initial funding of EUR 120 million for Gaza in 2025, bringing the total to over EUR 450 million since 2023. Our partners on the ground worked tirelessly to fill the warehouses in Gaza during the two-month ceasefire. The EU also remains committed in its support to UNRWA, which provides crucial support to the civilian population in both Gaza and the wider region. 

At the request of all parties, the EUBAM Rafah mission redeployed to the Rafah Crossing Point on 31/01 and monitored the work of PA staff in the crossing of over 4000 people from Gaza to Egypt between 01/02 and 18/03, including more than one third who required medical treatment. The resumed hostilities led to the closure of the Rafah Crossing Point. The mission is ready to return when conditions allow. 

The EU welcomes the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan. The EU stands ready to engage with its Arab partners, as well as with other international partners, on that basis. There can be no role for Hamas in the future of Gaza and Hamas should no longer be a threat to Israel.   

Thank you, Chair.