The EU special envoy for the peace process in the Middle East, Sven Koopmans, stated that he is determined to move forward with his efforts to implement the two-state solution, which the Israeli government rejects.
Koopmans added in an interview with the French news agency that the priority today is to work towards ending the suffering in Gaza, while also working to avoid the outbreak of a regional war and to relaunch the peace process.
He stressed that Brussels is indeed one of the capitals witnessing activity aimed at finding a way out of the crisis, and that all member states agree on the need to establish a Palestinian state.
It is noteworthy that three EU member states (Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia) recognized the State of Palestine during May and June 2024.
Koopmans affirmed that the repeated statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his government expressing firm opposition to recognizing the Palestinian state will not deter him from continuing his work.
He said: "Netanyahu has a different viewpoint from that of a significant part of the rest of the world, and the rejection of this or that..
that does not mean we should stop working."

Koopmans pointed out that the European Union is keen on the continuity of the Palestinian Authority and enhancing its government.
He emphasized that it is unacceptable for humanitarian aid trucks to pile up at the crossings of the Gaza Strip without being allowed entry, and for the expansion of Israeli settlements and the violence they generate to continue in the occupied West Bank.