Brussels, 24 March (LaPresse) – "The problems of our neighbours today are our problems tomorrow. And so what is happening in Gaza and what is happening in Israel is very important for us. And of course, we do not see any role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza". This was stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas, answering questions at a press conference with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, in Jerusalem. "We must – she added – certainly discuss what the future governance of Gaza will be like" and "the European Union is ready to participate in these discussions, to prevent these problems from happening in the future. The European Union supports the fight against terrorism. The security of Israel is very important for the European Union, but also the rights of the Palestinians must be respected".
"Israel's security is extremely important to the European Union. Israelis – Kallas adds – must be able to feel safe in their homes. Israel has the right to self-defense against terrorist attacks, whether they come from Hamas, the Houthis or Hezbollah. However, military actions must be proportionate and Israeli attacks in Syria and Lebanon risk further escalating. The key steps here are the reaffirmation of the ceasefire, the guarantee of the release of all hostages and the resumption of the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, with the aim of a permanent ceasefire. The European Union can help, both by reaffirming our mission at the Rafa border crossing and by providing more humanitarian assistance", "it is difficult to look ahead when bombs are falling, but we must keep hope alive".