During the Union for the Mediterranean forum in Barcelona, Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, stressed the necessity of a Palestinian state for ensuring peace and security in Israel. He emphasized adherence to international humanitarian law and highlighted the suffering in Gaza, calling for urgent measures to address the crisis.

Borrell expressed concerns about extremist actions, particularly citing the threat posed by settlers in the West Bank. He condemned plans to expand settlements, asserting that peace, not military actions, is vital for regional stability.

Highlighting the significance of peace between Israel and Palestine for the broader region, Borrell discussed the challenges of dealing with ideologies like Hamas. He underscored the need for presenting better alternatives rather than resorting to force to counter such ideas.

Borrell also emphasized the importance of avoiding legal colonization in the West Bank and advocated for the revival of Palestinian authority. He warned about the potential chaos, violence, and migration repercussions in a stateless region, with Europe likely bearing the brunt of such consequences.