Kallas Warns European Union Split Over Gaza Damages The Credibility Of The Block

JAKARTA - EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned on Monday that the bloc's credibility was undermined by its divisions in the Middle East, especially the Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Speaking at the Strategic Forum of Bled in Slovenia, Kallas admits member states are still divided over their approach to this conflict, unlike in Ukraine, where consensus has been reached.

"I continue to press, very hard, because I also feel the credibility of the European Union at stake, that we must, you know, unite in this response," he said.

However, Kallas rejected claims the European Union, which did not suspend its association agreement with Israel or imposed any sanctions, inactive in Gaza, stressing the bloc is one of the largest humanitarian aid providers and remains the strongest supporter of the Palestinian Authority.

"We did our best, but it wasn't enough, because this humanitarian disaster is still ongoing. So, I continue to work with member countries to reach the same position," he said.

It is known that the number of EU countries that recognize and plan to recognize the Palestinian State continues to grow. Most recently, Belgium stated its plan to recognize the Palestinian State at this month's UN General Assembly.

In a post on social media X Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot wrote, Belgium will join the signatories of the New York Declaration, which paved the way for a two-state, or Palestinian State solution that coexists peacefully with Israel.

This decision was taken "given the humanitarian tragedy that occurred in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and in response to the violence perpetrated by Israel that violates international law," Foreign Minister Prevot added.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would recognize the Palestinian State at this month's UN General Assembly.

Quoted from Anadolu, to France's recognition plan, there are 12 EU countries that have or will recognize the Palestinian State. Previously, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, and Cypriot Greece had already recognized the Palestinian State.