Minister Lehtomäki in the European Parliament; Gaza strip
(Subject to changes)
The European Union is deeply concerned about the incidents of violence that have taken place in Gaza during the past weeks. Several people died in connection with the Israeli incursion into the Gazan town of Beit Hanoun on 8 November, and in the fateful artillery fire accompanying their retreat from the scene, nearly 20 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed. In addition to that, several people got wounded. Military action has also caused havoc to the city infrastructure. The EU is extremely sorry for the deaths and injuries caused by the violence.
The Palestinians have simultaneously continued the random firing of Qassam rockets to cities in Israel, such as Ashkelon and Sderot. In addition to injuries and material damage, one person has been reported dead as a result of these attacks. The EU has urged the Palestinian leaders to do their best to make an end to these strikes.
The European Union cannot accept the use of violence and has therefore asked both sides to renounce violence. Every state has the right to defend itself, but self-defence does not justify excessive use of violence or measures similar to the ones seen in Beit Hanoun. Israel has to make its action appropriate in relation to the situation and to comply with the provisions of international humanitarian law. Security does not apply to one party only but to all people in the Middle East region. The European Union has urged Israel to stop its military action in Gaza.
The European Union has also asked the Palestinian leadership to make an end to the rocket attacks that have been continuing with varied intensity throughout the autumn. The purpose of the attacks is presumably to reinforce fear and insecurity, which, of course, is wrong towards the civilian population. The Israelis should not live in an atmosphere of constant fear, because they are equally entitled to live in peace as all others. The Palestinians must disengage from the use of violence as an instrument to pursue political ends.
The deepening circle of violence threatens to dash all hopes of the re-opening a new Middle East peace process. Events like the ones described above only bring the parties further away from the existing opportunities, especially now that a peace process, aiming at negotiations on two separate states, would be necessary. The objective still is the creation of a viable Palestinian state - a state that would exist peacefully side by side with Israel. The European Union hopes that events like the ones in Beit Hanoun will not discourage the parties and the international community from striving for a sustainable and equitable peace.
The European Union also hopes that the attacks in Beit Hanoun will not suppress the Palestinians' desire to continue to seek mutual harmony and such a government of national unity that could fulfil the terms set by the quartet. The entire international community needs a respectable party to its side. The Palestinians are entitled to a government that represents the interests of all citizens.
The humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people has also been a cause for concern in the European Union. The economic and humanitarian situation of the Palestinian regions is unbearable. The situation would be much better and the Palestinians would find it easier to move, if Israel kept the Rafah and Karn crossing points open. The European Union has also urged Israel to transfer the customs and tax revenue it has collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. This could markedly facilitate the economic situation on the Palestinians.
The EU has tried to do what it can to help the Palestinians. This year, a total of 650 million euros have been channelled to the PA via various channels, 25% up on the previous year's assistance. The so-called Temporary International Mechanism, TIM, has served as an effective instrument to support the Palestinians, and we hope that also Israel and others could benefit from the mechanism.
In light of the past few days' events, the situation in the Middle-East is thus not very favourable - however, we should find the strength to believe in a better future. The EU wants to support the peace process in every possible way.