European Union calls for de-escalation in the Middle East
Brussels, September 15 (KUNA) -- The European Union called on Tuesday for de-escalation in the Middle East, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and respect for international law, including freedom of navigation through the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab straits. It emphasized the need to provide full support to the countries in the region affected by the attacks.
This statement came during a speech delivered by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, addressing the escalation in the Middle East. She described the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea against Yemen and Saudi Arabia, as well as their threats to freedom of navigation, as "illegal."
Kallas stated that the EU is working with its international partners to mitigate the repercussions of developments in the region. She noted that the European maritime operation, Aspides, continues to escort ships in the Red Sea, while the EU will enhance coordination with the multinational maritime coalition launched by Saudi Arabia. She stressed the necessity of making further efforts, particularly to support the Yemeni government and combat smuggling operations, adding that the EU seeks to strengthen its relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
She added that the upcoming EU-GCC summit would provide an opportunity to enhance cooperation between the two sides, affirming that if the EU wishes to be a credible security provider in the region, it must strengthen its maritime operations, Aspides and Atalanta.
In this context, Kallas urged EU member states to provide additional naval vessels for the Aspides operation to enhance its capacity to protect and escort ships in the Red Sea. She considered increasing naval capabilities essential to ensuring the credibility of the operation, especially in light of the closure of the Bab al-Mandab strait to navigation.
Regarding the Palestinian territories, Kallas reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution. She expressed concern over the increasing settlement expansion in the West Bank, forced displacement, and rising levels of violence by settlers. She pointed out that the EU has imposed three packages of sanctions on extremist settlers, noting that discussions are currently underway in the EU Council regarding the addition of more names to the sanctions lists.
She stressed that "accountability is a fundamental condition for curbing settler violence," calling for respect for international law and an end to settlement expansion, including the E1 project, which she said seriously threatens the viability of the two-state solution.
On the Gaza Strip, Kallas said the deteriorating humanitarian situation is worsening, warning that overcrowded displacement shelters face risks of flooding and disease outbreaks as winter approaches. She affirmed that the ceasefire is "only in name," given the continued casualties, and that the conditions for implementing the peace plan for Gaza have not changed. She called on the international community to continue demanding the permanent disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip.
She explained that the EU continues to contribute to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 through its security and defense missions, supporting the Palestinian Authority, its governance, and reforms, as well as assisting in early recovery and reconstruction efforts.
She noted that the "Gaza Team" initiative, launched by the Palestinian Donors Group in cooperation with the European Commission, successfully raised 900 million euros in its first phase for early recovery efforts, working with 15 international partners. (End) A.R.N. / A.S.
