Emergency international meeting on Palestine at the ministerial level took place today Sunday in Brussels. The foreign minister George Gerapetritis participated in today’s Ministerial Meeting on Palestine, organized by Norway and Saudi Arabia.

The meeting, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Espen Barthosted by the EU High Representative, Joseph Borel is an opportunity, as the Commission points out in its announcement, to exchange views on the plans and priorities of the Palestinian Authority as well as to discuss how the international community can best support the reform program of the new government and the strengthening of Palestinian institutions and of their ability.

In statements made to the press before the start of the meeting, Josep Borrell made it clear that the situation in Gaza “cannot be described in words”.

“The occupied West Bank is in danger of exploding at any moment. As we speak, Israeli military operations continue in and around Rafah. The main borders remain closed for humanitarian deliveries,” the high representative warned. At the same time, he underlined that among those suffering in Gaza, there are dozens of Israeli hostages “whom we do not forget”. “In the last few hours, we have seen a new barrage of rockets by Hamas against Israel. This must also stop,” he said.

For his part, the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammed Mustafa noted that “Gaza has gone through a very difficult, very alarming situation with humanitarian losses”.

“We are still optimistic as Palestinians that many decades of struggle and work for independence are coming closer than ever. These efforts, these announcements, these meetings are key building blocks to make Palestine a reality as an independent, sovereign, viable state,” he added.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Espen Bart, spoke about “dramatic situation” in Gaza, and stressed the need for a ceasefire. “We also need to take better care of the Palestinian Authority that we have because there is no alternative. I think we are all convinced that there is no alternative in the long run to a two-state solution. A two-state solution requires a Palestinian government,” he pointed out.

The recognition of a Palestinian state it’s only “fair” for the Palestinian people, the Spanish Foreign Minister said from Brussels Jose Manuel Albarez.

“Palestinians have the right to have a state, just as the Israelis have this right,” clarified the Spanish foreign minister, during a press conference alongside the Palestinian prime minister, who considered that Madrid’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state represents ” a major boost for peace and stability in the region.”

Spain, which has been trying to influence other capitals for months, made this decision together with Ireland and Norway, which however does not belong to the EU. Their recognition of a Palestinian state will be raised effective Wednesday, May 28.

The Palestinian Prime Minister welcomed this decision calling on all European countries to follow this example. “I think it’s the right decision to make,” he commented. “This is the beginning of a new phase.”

The issue is dividing the European Union, which has been struggling to find a common ground since the start of the war in Gaza.