During the EU-GCC summit in Brussels, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, urged ceasefires in Israel’s ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the need for a Palestinian state. He condemned the normalization of war crimes and called for negotiations based on the 1967 borders. The su
At a crucial European Union-Gulf Cooperation Council (EU-GCC) summit in Brussels, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, made an impassioned plea for ceasefires in Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon, underscoring the urgent need for a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Addressing the gathering of Gulf and European leaders, Sheikh Tamim called for the creation of a “sovereign and independent Palestinian state” as a necessary step towards resolving the ongoing violence. His remarks were made during the first EU-GCC summit, which also focused on broader conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Key Highlights:
- Qatar’s Call for Ceasefire: Sheikh Tamim expressed deep concern about the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, urging immediate ceasefires to pave the way for peace talks. He stressed, “The destructive war waged by Israel today on Palestine and Lebanon made war crimes as something normal. That is something that we cannot accept.” His comments reflect Qatar’s firm stance on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- The Palestinian State Proposal: Sheikh Tamim emphasized the importance of a permanent resolution to the Palestinian cause, stating, “We need to find a solution to the Palestinian cause on the basis of international legitimacy and of the 1967 borders.” He urged the international community to take steps toward negotiations for the creation of a Palestinian state.
- Impact on Gaza and Lebanon: The summit comes at a time when Israel’s military offensive has claimed the lives of over 42,400 Palestinians, with 90% of Gaza’s population displaced. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israeli military actions have killed at least 1,350 people as Hezbollah engages in cross-border fire with Israeli forces.
Broader Discussions:
- EU-GCC Relations: The summit reflects the EU’s efforts to enhance cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes key regional players like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The focus was also on other pressing global issues, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and trade relations between the Gulf and Europe.
- Ursula von der Leyen’s Call for Diplomacy: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a diplomatic approach to halt the escalating violence in the Middle East, warning of potential regional conflicts involving Iran and Houthis.
Russia-Ukraine War and Trade:
- Ukraine Crisis: The summit also discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the EU seeking Gulf support to further isolate Moscow. Von der Leyen expressed hope for cooperation, stating, “I’m confident that we can work together and rely on you to stop this illegal Russian war.”
- Trade and Investment: Talks also touched on enhancing trade relations between the Gulf and Europe, including discussions on visa liberalisation and investment cooperation.
Source: Al Jazeera
