Thank you President,

Thank you, Special Rapporteur we took note of your report, and are interested to hear about your priorities in in view of the unfolding situation in the Middle East.  

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The EU position concerning the unfolding situation in the Middle East is well-known. The EU condemned in the strongest possible terms Hamas and it’s brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel and deeply deplores the loss of lives.

The horrendous death toll and suffering of innocent civilians is haunting.

We reiterate the importance of ensuring the respect of International Humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians at all times. Full, rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be ensured.

The EU’s strong conviction is that the resolution of the conflict on the basis of the two-state solution is indispensable for comprehensive peace in the region. We remain firmly committed to supporting all efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on international law, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.

Thank you.