Minister Shahin Holds Phone Call with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Shahin held a telephone conversation on Thursday with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
During the call, Minister Shahin briefed Kallas on the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing Israeli military campaign. She highlighted the continued killing of civilians, restrictions on the movement of individuals through border crossings, and the insufficient entry of humanitarian aid, which has prevented the fulfillment of the population’s most basic needs.
Minister Shahin also updated Kallas on the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, citing annexation policies, settlement expansion, settlement construction, and escalating attacks by settlers under the protection of the Israeli army. She further stressed the continued withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues, which undermines the Palestinian government’s ability to carry out its responsibilities and meet the needs of its people.
The Minister called on the European Union to take practical and tangible measures to support the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land, including banning products originating from Israeli settlements and ensuring the implementation of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and the obligations arising from it. She also emphasized the importance of adhering to the New York Declaration in a manner that ensures the realization of the two-state solution.
The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation at various levels, with the aim of promoting peace and stability in the region.