Xavier Bettel on a working visit to Israel and Palestine

One of the aims of the mission was to discuss the latest developments in the war in Gaza and to pursue dialogue with both sides with a view to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.

On the first day of the visit, Minister Bettel held bilateral discussions in Jerusalem with Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, and Israel Katz, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs. During these talks, Minister Bettel called on his interlocutors to respect and implement without delay the interim measures decided by the International Court of Justice. He stressed the urgent need for Israel to take action in this area, particularly in view of the recent air raids on Rafah, which deeply shocked Minister Bettel: 'The protection of the civilian population must be the absolute priority, and Israel's military offensive in Rafah must therefore cease immediately. This is the only way to ensure the release of the hostages and the first step towards a lasting peace. It is now up to Israel to prove that it respects international law.' As part of the discussions, Minister Bettel also reiterated that all measures must be taken to reopen Rafah to the delivery of humanitarian aid and above all to facilitate its distribution within the Gaza Strip.

The second day of the trip was dedicated to discussions with the Palestinian Authority. In Ramallah, Minister Bettel held bilateral talks with Hussein Al-Sheikh, head of the Palestinian Authority's General Authority for Civil Affairs, and Majdi Khaldi, chief diplomatic adviser to the Palestinian President. Xavier Bettel reaffirmed his support for Palestine, emphasising that Luxembourg remains committed to resolving the conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, which is the only way to achieve a lasting peace that also guarantees Israel's security. 'The Palestinian population must not only be able to survive, but also to live in peace and security', insisted the Minister. He also underlined his full support for the Palestinian Authority, which must be able to regain control and governance in Gaza and regain the confidence of the entire Palestinian population.

Minister Bettel also visited the Jalazone refugee camp north of Ramallah, run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Xavier Bettel stressed the indispensable role played by the organisation in providing essential humanitarian services to the Palestinian population in the region, and reaffirmed Luxembourg's full support. On this occasion, the Minister announced his intention to increase Luxembourg's contribution to UNRWA for 2024.

As part of his working visit, the Minister also signed two agreements with the Israeli and Palestinian branches of the Bridging Insights initiative. By working with different communities, the project aims to help prepare both societies for positive transformation and advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Under the terms of the agreements signed, Luxembourg is supporting the two branches with a contribution of 200,000 euros each over a two-year period.

In Jerusalem, Xavier Bettel also held talks with members of the families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Minister Bettel also visited Yad Vashem, the memorial and museum built in memory of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

In Tel Aviv, Minister Bettel met with a group of representatives from Israeli civil society and the business world, with whom he was able to discuss recent developments in Israel and hear their perspectives on the regional situation.

Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade