Brussels: Europe and the Arab World

In the final communiqué of the EU leaders’ summit issued early Friday morning, the European Council welcomed the adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution 2803 on the establishment of a Peace Council and a Temporary International Stabilization Force, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. It called on all parties to fully implement the resolution, in accordance with relevant international political and legal principles. The Council reiterated the need to stabilize the security environment in Gaza, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803, including ensuring the permanent disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups. In this context, the European Council reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to international law and to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, whereby two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders. The EU will contribute to all efforts aimed at achieving this solution. The European Union is committed to contributing to this implementation, including through an enhanced mandate for the EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing (EU BAM Rafah) and the EU Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS), as well as through participation in the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC). It stands ready to support the establishment of the Peace Council and will actively engage with partners in the next steps.

Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council emphasizes the need for the rapid, safe, and unimpeded delivery and sustainable and widespread distribution of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, in accordance with international humanitarian law. It also stresses the need to enable the United Nations, its agencies, and humanitarian organizations to operate independently and impartially. In this regard, the Council calls on Israel not to apply the NGO registration law in its current form. The European Council specifically calls for the entry of essential items, such as shelter, winter supplies, and medical supplies, into Gaza. The European Council emphasizes the need for relevant international and regional actors to support the reconstruction and development of Gaza, in accordance with international law. Based on the first meeting of the donor group for Palestine held on 20 November 2025, the European Union will work with all partners to contribute to recovery and reconstruction efforts and continue supporting the Palestinian Authority, including its ongoing reform program. In this regard, the European Council reiterates the importance of implementing the Palestinian Authority’s reform program so that it can safely and effectively regain control of Gaza. It calls on Israel to urgently release the withheld clearance revenues and expand correspondent banking services between Israeli and Palestinian banks, both of which are essential to ensuring the proper functioning of the Palestinian Authority and the provision of essential services to the population.

The European Council strongly condemns the dramatic increase in settler violence against Palestinian civilians, including violence against Christian communities, and the policies and threats of forced displacement and annexation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It urges the Government of Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and to protect the Palestinian population in the occupied territories.

It calls on the Government of Israel to reverse settlement expansion, which is illegal under international law. The European Council reiterates its call for the preservation and respect of the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem. It also reiterates its call for the Council to proceed with further restrictive measures against extremist settlers and the entities and organizations that support them.

Lebanon

The European Council calls for de-escalation in the wider region and emphasizes the need to maintain stability in Lebanon. It renews its support for the stabilization of the economic and security situation in Lebanon, as well as its reconstruction, and supports the government's efforts to establish a state monopoly on the possession of weapons.

The European Council reaffirms its unwavering support for the essential role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The European Council condemns the recent attacks against UNIFIL and calls for a thorough investigation. These attacks against UN peacekeepers constitute a serious violation of international law, are completely unacceptable, and must stop immediately. The European Council reiterates its call on all parties to respect and implement the terms of the ceasefire agreement of 27 November 2024 and to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

In this regard, it calls for the complete disarmament of Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon. The EU will continue to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Lebanese state and its state-building efforts, including contributing to the strengthening of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Syria

One year after the fall of the Assad regime, the European Council reiterates its support for a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria and emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, without discrimination. It expresses its concern about foreign interference in the Syrian transition process and urges all actors, both internal and external, to fully respect Syria’s unity, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, in accordance with international law.