The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, is travelling to Israel, Palestine, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan from 16 to 20 November. The visit will take place against the background of the war against Hamas and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following the 7 October Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel, and in the context of EU’s regional outreach, following-up to the latest European Council and Foreign Affairs Council.

On Thursday, the HR/VP will be in Israel, where he will meet with President Isaac Herzog, Minister Benny Gantz, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, and opposition leader Yair Lapid and other interlocutors. He will also visit a community in the south of the country which suffered the 7 October terrorist attack. A joint press conference with Foreign Minister Cohen will be transmitted live on EbS. 

During his stay, the HR/VP will also meet with survivors of Hamas attacks, and families of the hostages, which are still being held in Gaza. The High Representative will hold talks with UN Representatives in the country, namely the UN Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland, UNRWA Acting Deputy Commissioner General Natalie Boucly, and UNICEF Special Representative Lucia Elmi.

On Friday, the High Representative will meet with peace advocates. He will then travel to Ramallah and exchange views with members of the Palestinian Civil Society. In the afternoon, the HR/VP will also have a series of meetings with Palestinian leaders: President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Mohamed Shtayyeh, that will be followed by a joint press conference, and Foreign Affairs Minister Riad al-Malki.