The recent terrorist attack of Hamas against Israel, the resulting escalation between Israel and Hamas, the international efforts to prevent further spill-over of the conflict, as well as closer cooperation between the European Union and the Gulf countries, were at the centre of three days visit by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell to Oman. 

In Muscat, the High Representative co-chaired the 27th joint ministerial meeting of the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council and its member states. Beyond confirming the mutual interest to deepen the already good EU-GCC cooperation, the Joint Council – as agreed by the EU and GCC member states – adopted a Co-Chairs Statement.

In this statement, the Joint Council expressed deep concern about the grave developments in Israel and Gaza and condemned all attacks against civilians, reminding the parties of their obligations under the universal principles of International Humanitarian Law. It further called for restraint, the release of hostages and allowing access to food, water and medicines according to International Humanitarian Law.

The statement also stressed the urgent need for a political solution to the crisis to avoid repeating this vicious cycle of violence. It called for a halt to all acts of violence and any unilateral measures, and supported the efforts of Saudi Arabia, the European Union and the League of Arab States in cooperation with Egypt and Jordan to revive the Middle East peace process .

The EU and the GCC Ministers reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and all relevant UN resolutions. They stressed the importance of sustained financial support for UNRWA, the Palestinian Authority, and for the humanitarian and development needs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In light of the presence of a number of Foreign Ministers of the EU in Muscat, the High Representative convened an emergency meeting of EU Foreign Ministers to address the situation in Israel and in the region. The Ministers endorsed the elements of the EU/GCC statement, reiterated their solidarity with Israel and discussed the EU relationship with the Palestinian Authority.

The ministers made a clear distinction between Hamas, a terrorist organization, the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority. The overwhelming majority of ministers expressed themselves against the suspension of the payments of EU funds and asked for the continuation of support to the Palestinian people.

Ministers also discussed the reaction of Israeli Defence Forces to Hamas’ attack and reaffirmed the position of the EU that Israel has the right to defend itself in line with international law, including International Humanitarian Law.

Ministers expressed concern over the situation of civilians in Gaza, which was already very dire and is increasingly worsening. There was an overwhelming assessment that the EU should be prepared to support the Palestinian people more in the coming weeks.

In the margins of the multilateral meetings in Muscat, the HR/VP held talks with number of partners bilaterally: Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Baidr al Busaidi, as well as the Foreign Ministers of Kuwait, Sheikh Salem Al Sabah, Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud and Bahrain, Abdullatif bin Rashid al Zayani. He also met Qatari Minister of State, Soltan bin Saad Al Muraikhi and UAE State Minister, Reem Al Hashimy.