JERUSALEM, Saturday, July 20, 2024 (WAFA) – The European Union's Special Envoy for the Middle East Peace Process, Sven Koopmans, has expressed determination to push forward with efforts to achieve a two-state solution, despite opposition from the Israeli government.

In an interview with the French news agency AFP, Koopmans emphasized that the current priority is to seek an end to the suffering in Gaza, while working to prevent the outbreak of a regional war and to restart the peace process.

Koopmans reiterated that despite staunch opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government against recognizing a Palestinian state, such statements will not deter the EU from continuing its efforts.

"I think that recently he was very explicit about rejecting the two-state solution," Koopmans said. "Now, that means that he has a different point of view from much of the rest of the world."

The Dutch diplomat said one side's rejection of "the outcome that we believe is necessary" does not mean efforts to seek a solution should cease.

Koopmans said it was "completely unacceptable" for there to be thousands of aid trucks waiting at the Gaza border.

The envoy also raised concerns about Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, saying some attacks amounted to "genuine terrorism."

M.N