EU at a crucial moment in the fight against hunger and the risk of deportation, says Lahbib

“The EU cannot passively watch as innocent civilians are killed or starved, just like aid workers, journalists… This is what foreign ministers should keep in mind during their informal meeting in Copenhagen this weekend,” Lahbib referred in an interview. “We must have the political courage to find a strong voice that reflects our values and principles.”

Five days ago, the United Nations officially declared famine in Gaza. “This is the first time ever in the Middle East. It is also a famine that could have been avoided if we had been allowed to deliver our humanitarian aid. It is a famine that is 100 percent man-made, while mountains of humanitarian aid are waiting just a short distance from the starving population,” Lahbib states. 

The Belgian Eurocommissioner also points to the risk of deportation of the population, following the Israeli government’s decision “to take control over the entire Gaza Strip.” Furthermore, Lahbib notes that the new settlement project of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in the West Bank undermines the two-state solution.

According to Lahbib, the European Union does have resources to act. But it is cautious about telling the -very divided- member states what they should do. Some advocate for economic sanctions, but there is no majority for that. France and a few other member states want to move towards recognizing the Palestinian state by the end of September. “That could help, it could open the way to a two-state solution, if it is more than just a symbolic recognition,” says the liberal politician. She also calls for “concrete and pragmatic solutions.”