About: two-state solution
European countries urge Israel to stop construction in East Jerusalem
The foreign ministries of France, Germany, Italy and Spain urged Israeli authorities on Wednesday evening (19 January) to stop the construction of new housing units in East Jerusalem.
EU eyes ‘fresh start’ with Israel after Netanyahu ouster
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday (12 July) the bloc was ready for a "fresh start" with Israel as Foreign Minister Yair Lapid visited Brussels, but urged progress on peace efforts.
UN chief urges ‘be creative’ as Cyprus talks open
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Turkish and Greek Cypriot parties to "be creative" on Tuesday (27 April), hours before informal talks were set to begin on the island's future after a four-year hiatus.
EU regrets Kosovo’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem
The European Union voiced regret on Tuesday (2 February) at Kosovo's decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, made as part of a broader deal brokered by the previous US administration, saying it "diverges" the tiny Balkan country from the EU position.
Russia suggests Mideast peace conference, US pledges to renew Palestinian ties
Russia backed a Palestinian proposal for a Middle East peace conference, suggesting it could be held at ministerial level in spring or summer, as the US said it would move towards renewing ties with the Palestinians under Joe Biden.
Palestinian leader warns UN on Trump’s ‘Swiss cheese’ peace
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Tuesday (11 February) urged the UN Security Council to reject President Donald Trump's Middle East plan, saying it would splinter Palestinian lands and never bring lasting peace.
EU responds to Trump’s Middle East peace plan
The European Union's top diplomat said Tuesday (28 January) that the bloc remains "firm and united" behind the quest for a negotiated two-state peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.
Luxembourg urges EU debate on Palestine recognition
Luxembourg on Monday (9 December) asked for an EU-level debate on recognising Palestinian statehood, securing a promise that EU foreign ministers would "deeply discuss" the Middle East in January.
In new pro-Israel shift, US no longer calls settlements illegal
The United States no longer believes that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories are illegal, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Monday (18 November) in the latest pro-Israel shift by Washington.
Israel prepares to demolish homes on Jerusalem outskirts, stoking Palestinian fears
Israeli forces began preparations to demolish homes near a military barrier on the outskirts of Jerusalem under the cover of darkness on Monday (22 July), in the face of Palestinian protests and international criticism. Bulldozers accompanied by hundreds of Israeli...
Trump’s son-in law and Middle East adviser Kushner meets EU leaders
US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and Middle East peace adviser Jared Kushner met European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker for talks in Brussels on Tuesday (4 June).
Palestinians turn to EU to counter Kushner plan
The Palestinians are asking the European Union to pick up the mantle in defence of the two-state solution if the upcoming US peace plan ditches Palestinian statehood, their UN envoy said Tuesday (7 May).
EU, Kuwait, Norway foot the Palestinian refugee agency bill
The Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA on Thursday (27 September) received pledges of $118 million (€101 million) from donor countries to help it overcome a crisis triggered by US funding cuts.
Abbas to ask EU to recognise Palestinian state: minister
Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas will ask the EU to officially recognise the state of Palestine when he meets foreign ministers from the bloc today (22 January), a senior official told AFP on Sunday.
EU rebuffs Netanyahu’s Jerusalem call
The EU's diplomatic chief on Monday (11 December) bluntly rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's suggestion that Europe would follow the US in recognising Jerusalem as the Jewish state's capital, saying there would be no change to its stance on the holy city.