International Humanitarian Conference for the Civilian Population of Gaza: press remarks by High Representative / Vice-President Kaja Kallas upon arrival

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Bonjour,

This first phase of the Gaza deal is a major step towards peace. Of course, we need to plan for the day after and that is what we are here for. Any plan to function needs also international backing.

The European Union stands ready to do its part. We are ready to redeploy our EUBAM Rafah mission at the border crossing of Rafah.

We are also ready to discuss what we can do with the EUPOL COPPS mandate to help also the stabilisation force.

So, ready to discuss what we can contribute to the peace plan so that this peace would also be sustainable on the ground.

Q&A

Q. Will you be part of the international transitional authority?

We definitely are ready to be part of it, as we are the biggest donors to Palestine in terms of humanitarian
aid, but also [the] Palestinian Authority. So, I think given what we are bringing to the table, we should also be around that table, discussing.

Q. What about stabilisation forces?

The discussion of the stabilisation forces, of course, will happen. As you know, we have our security concerns, also on the European soil, regarding different things that are happening here. So, of course, when
the stabilisation force is in place, like I said, we are ready to see what we can do with the EUPOL COPPS - which is a mission that helps the police forces of Palestine.

Q. Are you going to create more missions or are you going to stick to EUPOL COPPS and EUBAM Rafah?

Right now, the plan is to redeploy those two missions that we already have. If we need to change the
mandate or extend the mandate, then we are ready to discuss with the Member States what we can do more.

Q. How confident are you that this could be a peace that can actually last?

I think this is the best chance we have right now. It is good that we meet also here today with all
the actors, so that this would really have international backing - so it would be lasting. It is the first phase, of course. We are all welcoming the release of hostages, but we need to work for the plan after so that it would be sustainable. And that is why
we are also here.

Merci. Thank you.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-278436