EU stands behind stance for two-state solution in first official remarks on Trump plan

In the EU's first official comment on US President Donald Trump's plan on the future of Gaza, the union has reiterated it's "firm support" for a two-state solution.

According to reports by the Swedish media, this statement was given by the EU Spokesman for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anouar El Anouni, during the EU Commission's lunch briefing in Brussels on on January 6. 

It is the bloc's first official response to Trump's announcement that the US was to "take over" the Gaza Strip and "be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site". His proposal, which he announced during a press conference following his meeting with Israel's visiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The EU fully supports the two-state solution, which we believe is the only way to achieve a sustainable peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. Gaza is an essential part of a future Palestinian state, Swedish media reported citing El Anouni.

"Both Israelis and Palestinians deserve peace. Now we need to see the next step to achieve a permanent end to hostilities," says the spokesperson.

The Trump proposal has hailed widespread criticism from leaders in the West and East alike. The Office of the Palestinian Presidency has firmly rejected the Trump proposal, reiterating that Palestine's land "is not for sale."

The official spokesman for the Palestinian presidency, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said in a press statement that Palestine and the rights of the Palestinian people were not negotiable and are not a bargaining chip.

Abu Rudeineh added that the Palestine Liberation Organization, which he referred to as the sole legitimate representative of Palestinians will not give up an inch of land, "whether in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Palestine."

By Nazrin Sadigova