Jean Asselborn, Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs;
Credit: © SIP / Yves Kortum
Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, took part in an exceptional session of the EU Foreign Affairs Council through a video conference.
The meeting was initiated by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, to deliberate on the developments in Israel and Palestine.
The aim of this emergency meeting was to exchange views on the worrying situation in the Middle East and to coordinate the EU response.
In his speech, Minister Asselborn condemned the attacks committed by Hamas. “There is no justification for these despicable acts. As Secretary-General Guterres has said, we recognise the grievances of the Palestinian people, but nothing can justify the killing and kidnapping of civilians,” said Minister Asselborn.
Luxembourg expressed its full solidarity with the victims and their families, reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defence, and called for the immediate release of the hostages.
Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs emphasised the absolute need for de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities. “The civilian population of Gaza cannot be held collectively responsible and subjected to collective punishment for the horrific acts committed by Hamas”. In this context, Luxembourg highlighted the importance of respecting international law and protecting the civilian population, and deplored all the innocent victims.
Regarding EU financial assistance for the Palestinian population, Minister Asselborn remarked: “We must continue to ensure that no EU funding reaches the hands of Hamas. At the same time, we must maintain our vital humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population.”
To conclude, Minister Asselborn declared: “These dramatic events remind us, in a painful way, of the urgency of finding a global, just and lasting peace, based on a two-state solution. Recent events clearly show that we must accelerate the peace process. Otherwise, the cycle of violence will be endless.”
