European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas appealed on Monday that negotiations must resume in response to an escalation in the Israel-Hamas war last week following a surprise wave of IDF airstrikes on Gaza.
At a briefing in Jerusalem, where she met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Kallas remarked, "Violence feeds more violence."
"What we are witnessing now is a dangerous escalation. It is causing unbearable uncertainty for the hostages and their families and is likewise causing horror and death for the Palestinian people," Kallas added.
Foreign Minister Sa'ar said "the war can end tomorrow" if key prerequisites are fulfilled, including the release of hostages held by Hamas, the demilitarisation of Gaza, and "the withdrawal of the armed Hamas and Islamic Jihad forces."
"We would be happy, and we will be happy to achieve our aims by diplomatic means. But if that is not possible, we have no choice but to continue our military efforts," Sa'ar explained.
The ceasefire that began in January had paused over a year of fighting sparked by Hamas' attack on 7 October 2023, during which its militants killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages. Most captives have since been released through ceasefire agreements or other deals.
In the first phase of the ceasefire, 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others were released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli military subsequently allowed hundreds of thousands of people to return home, and there was an increase in humanitarian aid until Israel cut off all supplies to Gaza earlier this month to pressure Hamas into further discussions on the agreement.
The sides were expected to begin negotiations in early February regarding the next phase of the ceasefire, which involved the release of the remaining 59 hostages — of which at least half are believed to be dead — in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal. However, these talks never commenced.
"Resuming negotiations is the only feasible way to end the suffering on all sides," Kallas reiterated.
Additionally, Kallas emphasised that the EU sees no role for Hamas in the governance of the Strip going forward, and expressed readiness to participate in discussions about Gaza’s future to help reach long-term peace.
