LUXEMBOURG (CHATNEWSTV) — European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas issued a sharp call for Israel to reinstate humanitarian aid to Gaza and halt settlement expansion in the West Bank during the first-ever EU-Palestine High-Level Political Dialogue.
“We condemned the total blockade of aid into Gaza,” Kallas told reporters after the meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. “Israel must fully reinstate humanitarian aid.”
Kallas also emphasized the EU’s readiness to support Palestinians in Gaza through the European Union Border Assistance Mission at Rafah (EUBAM Rafah), which has already helped evacuate more than 4,000 people, including the sick and injured.
Beyond humanitarian efforts, the EU top diplomat expressed grave concern over the worsening conditions in the West Bank. “This includes the displacement of tens of thousands of people and restricted access to essential services,” she said.
Kallas reiterated the EU’s opposition to Israel’s settlement policies in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, calling them illegal under international law. “We have imposed sanctions on extremist settlers, and I will work to seek consensus on further restrictive measures,” she said.
However, she acknowledged the internal difficulty of reaching agreement among all 27 EU member states. “We need to also have tangible steps… but so far, we do not have 27 Member States on board,” Kallas admitted. “Some say it should be on equal footing with sanctions against Hamas, but we’ve already sanctioned many of them. This cannot be used as an excuse.”
On the broader political outlook, Kallas reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a Two-State solution. “There is no military way through this war,” she said. “Resuming negotiations is the only way to end the suffering.”
The EU also announced a €1.6 billion multi-year support package for Palestine focused on infrastructure, humanitarian aid, and institutional reform. Kallas praised the Palestinian Authority for pursuing reforms despite dire circumstances. “You have our full support,” she said.
She added that EU missions like EUPOL COPPS are prepared to help strengthen Palestinian institutions, especially in policing and justice.
“This dialogue is part of our effort to treat both sides more equally in the peace process,” Kallas told reporters. “We hear the frustration that we cannot do enough. But we are looking ahead.”
