Belgium regrets Israel’s decision not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron
Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Didier Reynders, tweeted a message manifesting Belgium’s regret over Israel’s decision not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH).
I regret the unilateral decision of #Israel not to renew the mandate of the #TIPH (#Hebron). This departure from the #Osloaccords undermines one of the few mechanisms for conflict resolution between Israelis and #Palestinians. https://t.co/XSfOy9jr1p
— didier reynders (@dreynders) February 2, 2019
The EU’s External Action Service also released a press statement on the matter.
“The Israeli Government’s decision not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), which has played an important role in preventing violence between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in Hebron, risks further deteriorating the already fragile situation on the ground.
In line with the statement issued by the contributing countries to the mission, the EU stresses Israel’s obligations under international law to protect the Palestinian people in Hebron, as well as in other parts of the occupied Palestinian territory.
As reflected in successive Foreign Affairs Council conclusions, the EU is strongly opposed to Israel’s settlement policy which is illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. The European Union will continue to engage with both parties and with its international and regional partners to support a resumption of a meaningful process towards a negotiated two-state solution, the only realistic and viable way to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of both parties.”
