On Wednesday, the European Commissioner for External Relations, the Rt Hon Chris Patten, has addressed the European Parliament in the context of the plenary debate on the Middle East. He expressed deep worry about the extra-judicial killings perpetrated by Israeli security forces, saying that this not only undermines the prospects of achieving a negotiated settlement, but that it is also unacceptable for a democratic nation to resort to such means, in grave violation of human rights and the rule of law. Commissioner Patten also reiterated the EU demand that the remaining closures on the Palestinian economy should be lifted and the call on Israel to end immediately the withholding of revenue payments due to the Palestinian Authority. He expressed the continued EU concern at the humanitarian situation in the West Bank and Gaza caused by the Israeli closures. The full text of the speech is attached.
Matters are once again - in a state of flux.
We understand that there was some limited progress on territory and security. Given the circumstances and time constraints, both parties have announced that it was impossible to reach an understanding on all issues. There will not be any further talks before the Israeli elections on 6 February. We must, in any case, continue to support efforts to find a peaceful solution for the conflict. This includes preserving the acquis from previous peace talks, including Taba.