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Speech by President António Costa at the high-level conference on the two-State solution

European Council / Council of the European Union

European Council
Speech
23 September 2025 00:15

I am grateful for this initiative by France and Saudi Arabia, which has brought us together at a critical moment for peace in the Middle East. The region has seen too many wars. Too much violence. Too much terrorism. Too much death.

Today, in Gaza, we are facing a humanitarian disaster which defies description. Cities destroyed. Families shattered. Famine used as a weapon of war. This disaster must end.

The European Union once again calls for:

• an immediate ceasefire
• unrestricted and safe humanitarian access
• the unconditional release of all hostages

We condemn the ongoing military offensive in Gaza City. We also strongly condemn the violent escalation in the West Bank. We call on Israel to end these operations. To stop the illegal settlements.

Today, thanks to the impetus provided by this conference, the state of Palestine has been recognised by the majority of the member states of the European Union.

But we must be clear about what comes after:

• there is no place for Hamas
• there is no place for terrorism
• there is no place for illegal settlements
• there is no place for the killing of innocent civilians

Nowhere: not in Gaza, not in the West Bank, not in East Jerusalem, not in Israel.

There is only one way forward: the two-State solution. A secure state of Israel recognised by all of the member states of this General Assembly. An independent, democratic and viable state of Palestine. The two existing side by side. In peace.

The time for peace is now. And we must rise to the occasion.

Thank you.