Mr President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. 

The EU expresses its condemnation of the airstrikes on 9 September in Doha. The EU underlines its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar, in line with the  principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The Israeli attacks on Hamas leaders caused also Qatari casualties. The European Union expresses its full solidarity with the authorities and the people of Qatar, a strategic partner of the EU, which alongside Egypt and the United States, plays a crucial role as mediator of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The focus of the international community must remain on reaching an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza. 

The EU strongly supports the determination expressed by the Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister of Qatar to continue his country’s mediation role. The EU has consistently called on Israel to respect international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The EU recalls that there must be accountability for violations of international law.

We urge all parties to refrain from any actions that jeopardise mediation channels and regional stability. The EU remains committed to the Two-State Solution.

We recall that the European Union and other international partners have listed Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Recently adopted new sanctions regimes underline our principled stance against terrorism in all its forms.