EU cautions on Gaza strategy and pushes for a two-state path
Josep Borrell, the head of the European Union’s foreign policy service, has voiced skepticism about Israel’s plan to dismantle Hamas in the Gaza Strip and warned that such a move may not translate into lasting peace. His assessment signals that the EU will keep its focus on broader diplomatic aims even as Israel pursues its security priorities. Borrell underscored that the EU should maintain its commitment to pursuing a two-state solution as a viable framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even in the face of contentious developments on the ground. His remarks suggest a desire to balance security concerns with a political path that could offer durable stability for both peoples.
In further remarks, Borrell questioned the potential consequences of strategies that aim to eradicate Hamas by force. He asked what alternatives exist beyond outright destruction and highlighted the risk that such approaches could inflame long-standing grievances and foster new cycles of hostility. The EU position, as articulated by its top diplomat, calls for responses that reduce harm to civilians and support a political process capable of delivering security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
Meanwhile, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh characterized Netanyahu’s policies as obstacles to peace. He argued that successive Israeli governments have repeatedly claimed openness to a two-state solution while simultaneously obstructing the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital. This portrayal reflects a frustration with incremental moves that, in his view, have consistently undermined a credible route to statehood and lasting coexistence.
Across the Atlantic, Britain expressed disappointment with Netanyahu’s stance on Palestinian statehood, signaling that allies in Europe and beyond are closely watching how the conflict evolves and how concrete steps toward reconciliation might be pursued. The mixed signals from Western capitals illustrate the delicate balancing act between supporting Israel’s security needs and pressing for negotiations that address Palestinian aspirations and rights. In this climate, international actors emphasize the importance of preserving humanitarian protections, avoiding disproportionate harm to civilians, and sustaining a diplomatic track that could yield a viable, independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.