Amid growing tensions in the Middle East, the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) dismissed High Representative Josep Borrell’s proposal to ban imports from illegal settlements and suspend EU-Israel political dialogue. On the same week, with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People approaching, SOLIDAR’s event “Towards a Sovereign and Viable Palestinian State” gathered global experts, trade unions and civil society organisations. Rooted in the ICJ’s July 2024 declaration, deeming Israel’s occupation illegal, the event emphasized concrete measures, including halting hostilities, ensuring unhindered humanitarian aid, and dismantling illegal settlements.  

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On November 18th, the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) took place featuring on the agenda the ‘situation in the Middle-East’.  Ahead of the meeting, High Representative (HR) Josep Borrell stated that, “After a year of unheeded pleas by Israeli authorities regarding respect for international law in the Gaza war, we cannot continue with business as usual”. In the same blog, he anticipated he would propose to the EU Member States to ban imports from illegal settlements and suspend the political dialogue under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The FAC’s turned down this HR’s proposal.  

On the same week, on November 19th, the SOLIDAR’s event, “Towards a Sovereign and Viable Palestinian State,” took place. Global experts, national and European CSOs, Trade Unions and Members of the European Parliament convened to discuss actionable measures to bring lasting peace to the region. The starting point of the event was the July 2024 Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which declares Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal under international law. This declaration places a clear mandate on the international community, particularly the European Union, to take bold steps to uphold justice and pave the way toward a sovereign and viable Palestinian state. 

Among the proposed concrete steps needed to address the crisis effectively the following emerged during the event: 

1. An immediate and permanent cessation of all hostilities and crimes in Palestine/Israel and the region, the immediate release of all persons arbitrarily detained, both Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinians held by Israel.  
2. Unrestricted humanitarian aid must reach affected populations, with UNRWA and relief organizations enabled to operate without hindrance. 
3. The respect of international law and end occupation: Aligning with the ICJ opinion, the EU must demand an end to illegal settlements and the occupation. Dismantling settlements is a critical step toward establishing a sovereign Palestinian state. 

Beyond governments’ action, civil society organizations, trade unions, and grassroots movements play a vital role in driving change in Brussels as well as in European capitals. 

As the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (November 29) approaches, SOLIDAR reiterates its engagement for the recognition of the State of Palestine, end the occupation, and achieve self-determination for Palestinians. This year’s ICJ Advisory Opinion provides a pivotal opportunity to ensure that international solidarity translates into tangible results for justice and peace. 

Picture credits: @garaktastudio on Canva