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Outsiders cannot support Israeli policies towards Palestinians - Alfred Sant
Addressing the European Parliament, the Labour MEP stressed that EU policy should be built on an understanding of where the responsibilities lie in the conflict
20 May 2021, 3:33pm
Nicole Meilak
Nicole Meilak
1 min read
There is no longer any reasonable way by which outsiders can support Israeli policies towards Palestinians, Alfred Sant stated on Thursday.
Speaking at a plenary session in the European Parliament, the Labour MEP said that Israel has left Palestinians in anger and despair, noting how recent escalations originated with the forced eviction of Palestinian families from their East Jerusalem.
"Legal tit-for-tat cannot hide any more that |sraeli policy aims to enclose Palestinians in a Bantustan under Israeli domination, even while more Palestinian lands are taken over by illegal Israeli settlers," he said in a statement.
The plenary debate focused on the EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine, with Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs Augusto Santos Silva representing the Council Presidency.
Throughout the debate, MEPs expressed concern over the renewed escalation of violence, calling for an immediate end to the fighting while underlining the need for dialogue and negotiations on a two-state solution to resume.
On his part, Sant told the European Parliament that EU policy should be built on a frank and honest appreciation of where the responsibilities lie in this state of affairs.
"Though in military terms Israel remains dominant even when under attack, it is terrible that the progressive and peace-loving potential majority within its population has been unable or unwilling to maintain the political momentum toward the two-state solution," Sant said.
"The truth is that there is no longer any reasonable way by which outsiders can support Israeli policies towards the Palestinians and the EU should make this clear."
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Nicole Meilak is deputy online editor and IĠM press awards (Most Promising Journalist) wi...
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