Brussels: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated on Monday that the ongoing situation in Gaza is "extremely grave," asserting that the actions of the Israeli occupation "go beyond proportionate self-defence". According to Kuwait News Agency, Kallas made these remarks at a press conference following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. She urged mediators to return to negotiations to reach a ceasefire agreement and secure the release of all hostages. Kallas emphasized the necessity of delivering humanitarian aid from the EU to Gaza and the Palestinians without politicization, ensuring that the aid reaches "those truly in need". The EU's top diplomat also expressed her support for the Arab plan aimed at reconstructing Gaza, asserting the EU's commitment to collaborating with Arab and international partners on three critical aspects of the plan: "funding, security, and governance in Gaza". In addition to addressing the situation in Gaza, Kallas discussed the EU f oreign ministers' deliberations on potentially easing sanctions on Syria. She remarked, "It is clear that in order to reconstruct Syria, they (the new Syrian government) need access to services. But it is also clear that we have not seen many steps from the new leadership there". She described Syria's future as "fragile but also hopeful", indicating that EU member states have agreed to evaluate progress so far and consider further actions, taking into account the EU's conditions and desired outcomes. Kallas also mentioned the ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran in Oman, describing them as "a step in the right direction".
