Minister Bettel Argues Two-State Solution Only Way to Israel-Palestine Peace

Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, participated in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union (FAC), which was held on Monday 22 January 2024 in Brussels.

According to Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the ministers had an informal exchange of views via video conference with their Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, before turning to the subject of continued EU support for Ukraine. Minister Bettel reiterated the importance for the EU to continue supporting Ukraine in exercising its right of self-defence against the Russian war of aggression. In this context, he highlighted the need to agree on new assistance measures within the framework of the European Peace Facility (EPF), as well as to adopt the Ukraine Facility, with a view to long-term macroeconomic support.

The FAC also provided an opportunity to have an in-depth discussion on the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza. Minister Bettel and his European counterparts held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Israel and Palestine, as well as Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Minister Bettel also had a bilateral meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, to discuss the important role played by Egypt in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, as well as in the search for a solution politics to the current conflict.

Minister Bettel welcomed the opportunity for EU member states to have an exchange with countries in the region, emphasising the importance of frank and direct dialogue with all stakeholders, including Israel.

“I am convinced that the so-called two-state solution is the only way to guarantee a truly lasting and just peace. Indeed, peace for the Palestinians will also mean peace for Israel, and vice versa. It is therefore in the interest of the State of Israel to achieve peace,” stressed Xavier Bettel.

Given the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the head of Luxembourg diplomacy stressed that “the absolute priority must be to achieve an immediate ceasefire”. This cessation of hostilities must then be followed by a real peace process. In this context, Luxembourg welcomes the preparation by High Representative Josep Borrell of a roadmap for the “creation of a global peace plan.”

Finally, Minister Bettel reminded: “The terrorist attacks of 7 October, which nothing can justify, deeply shocked us. However, after three months of fighting and thousands of deaths among the civilian population of Gaza, 70% of whom were women and children, it is becoming difficult to argue in favour of a defence that would be legitimate and proportional.” In this regard, Minister Bettel reaffirmed the absolute need for Israel to protect the civilian population in Gaza and to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to populations in need.