Article:

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has emphasized the importance of a two-state solution to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. As talks with Israeli and Palestinian diplomats begin in Brussels, Borrell criticized Israel's military approach to the conflict and rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of calls for a Palestinian state.

Borrell stated that peace cannot be achieved through military means alone, echoing the United Nations' condemnation of Netanyahu's refusal to consider a Palestinian state after the war in Gaza. He questioned the alternative solutions offered by Israel, asking if their plan was to force all Palestinians to leave or to eliminate them entirely.

In support of Borrell's stance, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also emphasized that a two-state solution is the only viable option for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. Baerbock criticized those who rejected this solution, stating that they have failed to provide any alternative.

The EU's 27 foreign ministers are currently engaged in separate discussions with their Israeli, Palestinian, and key Arab counterparts. These discussions come amid the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, with calls for an urgent "humanitarian pause" to address the catastrophic consequences of the conflict.

Netanyahu, however, remains steadfast in his opposition to a Palestinian state, citing existential threats to Israel. Borrell responded by condemning the Israeli objective of destroying Hamas, emphasizing that leaving the decision solely in Israel's hands is one-sided and unsustainable.

The conflict in Gaza has already resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 25,000 Palestinians killed and the displacement of most of the Strip's 2.3 million population. Israel has indicated that the war could continue for several months until Hamas is eradicated, all captives are freed, and Gaza no longer poses a security threat.

The EU's diplomatic service has proposed a roadmap to peace, including the organization of a preparatory peace conference involving the EU, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the League of Arab States, the United States, and the United Nations. The establishment of an independent Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel in peace and security, is a key goal of this plan.

Netanyahu's office, however, insists on Israel retaining security control over Gaza to ensure its safety, which contradicts the demand for Palestinian sovereignty.

The talks in Brussels are a significant step towards finding a resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has plunged the Middle East into turmoil and raised concerns about broader regional instability. The international community will be closely following these discussions and the outcomes they may produce.