(L-R) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel; Hussein Al-Sheikh, Head of the General Authority for Civil Affairs of the Palestinian Authority;
Credit: MAE
Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade has reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, is paying a working visit to Israel and Palestine from Tuesday 28 to Wednesday 29 May 2024.
The mission notably aimed to discuss the latest developments in the war in Gaza and to continue dialogue with both sides aiming to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict, the ministry noted.
On the first day of the visit, Minister Bettel held bilateral meetings in Jerusalem with Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, and Israel Katz, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs. During these discussions, Minister Bettel called on his interlocutors to respect and implement without delay the provisional measures decided by the International Court of Justice.
He underscored the urgency for Israel to act in this direction, particularly given the recent air raids on Rafah, of which Minister Bettel said he was “deeply shocked”: “The protection of the civilian population must be the absolute priority, reason why Israel's military offensive in Rafah must stop immediately. Only in this way can the hostages be freed and a first step towards lasting peace can be taken. It is now up to Israel to prove that the state respects international law.”
As part of the discussions, Minister Bettel also recalled that all measures must be taken to reopen Rafah to the delivery of humanitarian aid and especially to facilitate its distribution inside the Gaza Strip.
The second day of the trip was devoted to discussions with the Palestinian Authority. In Ramallah, Minister Bettel held bilateral meetings with Hussein Al-Sheikh, head of the General Authority for Civil Affairs of the Palestinian Authority, and Majdi Khaldi, chief diplomatic advisor to the Palestinian President. Minister Bettel reaffirmed his support for Palestine, emphasising that Luxembourg remains committed to a resolution of the conflict based on the two-state solution which is the only possibility to achieve a lasting peace that also guarantees the security of Israel.
“The Palestinian population must not only be able to survive, but to live in peace and security,” insisted the minister. He also underlined his full support for the Palestinian Authority which must be able to regain control and governance in Gaza and regain the trust of the entire Palestinian population.
North of Ramallah, Minister Bettel also visited the Jalazone refugee camp managed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Minister Bettel noted the indispensable role the organisation plays in providing essential humanitarian services to the Palestinian population in the region and reaffirmed Luxembourg's full support. On this occasion, the minister announced his intention to increase Luxembourg's contribution to UNRWA for 2024.
As part of his working visit, the minister also signed two agreements with the Israeli and Palestinian branches of the “Bridging Insights” initiative. By working with different communities, the project aims to help prepare both societies for positive transformation and advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the ministry noted. Through the signed agreements, Luxembourg supports the two branches with a contribution of €200,000 for each over a period of two years.
In Jerusalem, Minister Bettel also had an exchange with family members of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Minister Bettel also visited Yad Vashem, a memorial and museum built in memory of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
In Tel Aviv, Minister Bettel met with a group of representatives of Israeli civil society and business, with whom he was able to discuss recent developments in Israel and hear their perspectives on the regional situation, the ministry concluded.
