In a strong call for peace, Josep Borrell, the EU's chief diplomat and Vice President of the European Commission, emphasized the urgency of implementing a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Borrell stressed that efforts to build peace should commence immediately, without waiting for a ceasefire.
\"If you want to build the two-state solution, do not wait for the ceasefire. Start working on it from now on,\" Borrell stated, highlighting that delaying peace efforts is unrealistic and counterproductive. He argued that overlapping peace-building processes with ongoing conflict is essential to address the root causes of the unrest.
Borrell has been a vocal advocate for the creation of a Palestinian state, frequently addressing the issue during the UN General Assembly meetings. At a recent ministerial side event on the Middle East Peace Process, he underscored the human cost of the conflict, particularly focusing on the innocent children affected by the violence.
\"We have a responsibility to thousands and thousands of innocent children who were killed,\" Borrell warned, condemning Israel's actions in the region. He pointed out that the continuous bombardment of Lebanon has resulted in over 700 deaths and nearly 2,200 injuries, as reported by the Lebanese Health Ministry. Borrell criticized these attacks as unjustifiable acts of defense that only exacerbate civilian casualties.
In addition to advocating for peace, Borrell reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). \"We are the biggest supporter to UNRWA. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to provide critical resources to ensure the agency's ongoing operations,\" he declared at the UNRWA Ministerial Level Meeting.
Borrell concluded by urging the international community to join the EU in these efforts, emphasizing that collective action can significantly improve the lives of millions affected by the conflict.
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EU's chief diplomat urges swift action on two-state solution
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