Here are some excerpts of Federica Mogherini’s speech at the European Parliament plenary debate on the situation in Israel and Palestine, including the settlements:

Today, the very idea of two States has come under attack from many sides as never before. Yet we should all know that the two-state solution remains – I am profoundly convinced of this – the best and the only realistic chance for peace and also for security in the Holy Places.

Our support to the two States is a matter of international law, a matter of justice and democracy and also a matter of realism.

We have always believed that border changes can only be decided through direct negotiations between the parties, based on the pre-1967 borders. Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law; they constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-state solution impossible.

In addition, settlement activity in East Jerusalem seriously jeopardizes the possibility of Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both States.

Our position is clear and unchanged also regarding the security of the State of Israel. Firing rockets on Israel’s civilian population is simply unacceptable. I am grateful to Egypt for their diplomatic efforts which helped to stop the recent escalation. I will repeat once again: Israel and Israelis have the right to security. But we are also convinced that security will only be sustainable and real if it is built on peace and on the two-state solution.

There will not be peace without a strong political commitment by both sides and by the international community. On the European Union side, we have always been and we will continue to be ready to support, to encourage, to accompany all efforts to build peace and security and a negotiated two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

Thank you.

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Full speech

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