(1) "The Council expresses its deep
concern regarding the extremely serious events in Gaza. The Council
condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent coup perpetrated
by Hamas militias, in particular attacks against and the destruction
of the legitimate security services of the Palestinian Authority,
the summary execution of many of its members, the attacks against
hospitals and the cruel treatment of captives. The Council deeply
deplores the loss of human life, including civilians and humanitarian
workers. The Council calls for the immediate cessation of all
violence and hostilities, including in the West Bank, and for
the restoration of law and order. All those responsible for criminal
acts in violation of the standards safeguarded by international
humanitarian law and of fundamental human rights must be held
accountable.
(2) The Council supports the Arab League's call
for restoring Palestinian National unity and the unity of Palestinian
territory. The Council also supports ongoing efforts by theEgyptian
government to mediate a cease-fire. It appeals to all the countries
of the region to join these efforts and to help stop the supply
of weapons to the militias.
(3) In calling for an urgent political solution
of the crisis, the EU expresses its full support for President
Abbas and his decisions taken within his mandate to declare a
state of emergency and to install an emergency government for
the Palestinian Territories under Prime Minister Fayyad, underlining
the importance of the Palestinian basic law. All Palestinian parties
should abide by his decisions. It recalls that reconciliation
and national unity behind the programme of peace articulated by
President Abbas is the only way to achieve Palestinian national
goals.
(4) Gravely concerned by the critical humanitarian
situation in Gaza, the EU will do its utmost to ensure the provision
of emergency and humanitarian assistance to the population of
Gaza, whom it will not abandon. Unimpeded access to humanitarian
aid deliveries must be guaranteed. The extension of the Temporary
International Mechanism (TIM) for a further three months until
September 2007 will also contribute to the emergency relief. The
EU calls on Israel to facilitate the provision of humanitarian
help.
(5) The Council reiterates its call on Israel
for the immediate release of withheld Palestinian tax and customs
revenues.
(6) The EU will resume normal relations with
the Palestinian Authority immediately. With this objective, the
EU will develop the conditions for urgent practical and financial
assistance including:
—direct financial support to the government;
—support to the Palestinian Civilian Police
through the resumption of EUPOL COPPS;
—the resumption of the EU Border Assistance
Mission (EUBAM) Rafah;
—intensive efforts to build the institutions
of the future Palestinian state.
(7) In the current circumstances it becomes all
the more urgent to take forward a credible peace process which
can give the Palestinian people the perspective of an independent,
democratic and viable state living side by side with Israel, and
bring peace and stability to the Middle East."
