European Parliament President Roberta Metsola received Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa at the European Parliament, shortly after the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of hostages. President Metsola hailed the development as “the breakthrough the world has waited for and that so many have needed,” according to her statement on X last night.
The debate focused on ways to press on with three pressing priorities – the sticking of a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the reunification of hostages with their families – and both leaders spoke in the hope that a Gaza rebuilding may emerge with a road toward lasting peace.
“The immediate priority has to be ensuring that this agreement holds, its goals achieved – an end to the conflict, aid in, hostages back to their families. That needs to be the stepping stone toward long-term stability, peace, rebuilding, and the restoration of services. The day after must bring new hope. We will get there,” stated Metsola.
During the discussions, President Metsola reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, underlined that the EU would be ready to respond to urgent needs of the Palestinian population, including through strong humanitarian assistance.
Other topics addressed included the Palestinian reform agenda, EU financial assistance to the Palestinians, and increased cooperation with the European Parliament.
The meeting also comes after Metsola’s recent visit to Cairo, where she met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and other officials and expressed Europe’s commitment to the promotion of peace and dialogue in the Middle East.
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