Australia-EU talks on uniting Israel-Hamas after war

It has been stated by a top official that Australia and the European Union are now engaged in discussions for “the day after” the war in Gaza and are in agreement regarding the need to resuscitate a two-state solution.

On the other hand, Margaritis Schinas, the vice president of the European Commission, stated that Hamas war had given up the right to participate in any political settlement.

Following the expiration of a provisional ceasefire and war on Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) resumed its military operations war in Gaza. The IDF has accused Hamas of breaking the terms of the temporary ceasefire by firing towards Israeli territory (Israeli land).

During an interview with Australia, Schinas stated that the conflict must be carried out “according to international law.” However, he did not provide any evaluation regarding the level of conformity that has been achieved up to this point.

When he was in Australia, he made the following statement: “Well, this is something that is not easy to establish when you discuss a situation thousands of miles away, either in an office in Brussels or in the parliament building in Canberra.” He was speaking about the situation in Canberra.

In addition, Schinas stated that the world should “start thinking about the day after – the post-war horizon,” which is a time when Australia and the European Union, in his opinion, have the same perspective on the situation.

“so that Israel and Palestinians can live in peace and security in the clear perspective of a two-state solution,” he asked international community to assist in the creation of conditions that would lead to stability.

The assistance might be provided “in terms of reconstruction, humanitarian assistance, and building up structures of a new state,” according to Schinas.

“I understand that Australia is on the same wavelength,” he said, adding that the European Union had increased its humanitarian aid to Gaza by a factor of three and expected to play a supportive role after the war came to an end.

The argument that there should be “no role for Hamas in any post-conflict horizon” was made by Schinas while he was advocating for a solution that involved two states.

According to the statement made by the former Greek lawmaker, “Hamas lost the right to be a part of a post-conflict horizon beginning on October 7.”

Schinas, whose duties at the commission include combating antisemitism, has also pledged to increase the amount of effort that is put forth to combat the growing prejudice.

“The Holocaust and the Shoa are the stain in Europe’s history; these are the darkest chapters of our history books, and we are determined not to relive them,” he stated. “We are determined not to give them another chance.”

The statements come at a time when there is growing worry about a fracture of social cohesion in Australia, which includes increased levels of antisemitism and Islamophobia.

In the course of their trip to Australia this week, family members of Israelis who had been slain or kidnapped by Hamas reaffirmed their desire to draw “a very strong distinction” between the terrorist organization and the Palestinian people.

“They [Hamas] came to kill – they simply came to kill everybody,” said Tali Kizhner, whose son Segev, 22, was assassinated on October 7 at the Supernova music festival in Re’im. Segev was killed by Hamas.

The two children that I have at home are seventeen years old and nine and a half years old, and they have the right to live in a nation where they are able to go to dance without fear of being punished or killed. Additionally, kids have the right to reside in the country when they are able to leave and return to their mothers during their free time.

“We do not want to be sick, and hatred is a disease,” the speaker said.

As a result of a pro-Palestinian demonstration that took place on Wednesday evening in the foyer of the hotel in Melbourne where the Israeli relatives and friends were staying, the delegation reported feeling unsafe.

However, the controversy also largely obscured a piece of good news for one member of the Israeli group that was visiting Australia. The demonstration prompted politicians in Australia to express their disapproval of the event itself.

Mika Shani, who is 18 years old, made her way back to her hometown early on Thursday morning when she found out that her brother, Amit Shani, who is 16 years old, had been released from hostage by Hamas. This release was in exchange for the release of Palestinians who were being imprisoned in Israeli jails.

“I am overcome with joy,” she expressed.

On Tuesday, the Israeli team traveled to Parliament House in Canberra in order to share their experiences with prominent members of parliament, including Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia.

In addition, a team of pro-Palestine supporters traveled to Canberra the following day in order to raise awareness about the “humanitarian catastrophe that is engulfing the entire Gaza region” and to urge members of parliament to support calls for a complete ceasefire.