BRUSSELS: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called for a constructive dialogue but braced for criticism from some European countries as he arrived for talks on Monday in Brussels.<\/p>\n
The Israeli minister is meeting senior European officials, reviving a dialogue with the EU as the bloc considers a role in the reconstruction of Gaza following last month\u2019s fragile ceasefire deal.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m looking for a constructive dialogue, an open and honest one, and I believe that this is what it will be,\u201d Saar told reporters on arrival.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know how to face criticism,\u201d he said, adding: \u201cIt\u2019s okay as long as the criticism is not connected to delegitimization, demonization, or double standards … but we are ready to discuss everything with an open mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Saar will co-chair a meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in the first such session since 2022. <\/p>\n
Talks focus on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and changing regional dynamics.<\/p>\n
The Israeli foreign minister said that within the EU, \u201cthere are very friendly countries, and there are less friendly countries,\u201d but Monday\u2019s meeting showed a willingness to renew normal relations.<\/p>\n
The attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel\u2019s response exposed sharp divisions within the EU. <\/p>\n
While all members condemned the Hamas attacks, some staunchly defended Israel\u2019s war in Gaza and others condemned Israel\u2019s military campaign and its toll on civilians.<\/p>\n
In February 2024, the leaders of Spain and Ireland sent a letter to the European Commission asking for a review of whether Israel was complying with its human rights obligations under the 2000 EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides the basis for political and economic cooperation between the two sides.<\/p>\n
But ahead of Monday\u2019s meeting, the bloc\u2019s 27 member countries negotiated a compromise position that praises areas of cooperation with Israel while also raising concerns.<\/p>\n
At the meeting, the EU will emphasize both Europe\u2019s commitment to Israel\u2019s security and its view that \u201cdisplaced Gazans should be ensured a safe and dignified return to their homes in Gaza,\u201d according to a draft document seen by Reuters.<\/p>\n
The Israeli offensive has killed at least 48,000 people, Palestinian health authorities say, leaving some hundreds of thousands of people in makeshift shelters and dependent on aid trucks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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