European Socialists and Democrats welcome UN decision on Palestine

The Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament welcomes the positive vote in the UN General Assembly on Palestine and call once again on Israelis and Palestinians to work together for a lasting and peaceful solution.

Said S&D Group president Hannes Swoboda and S&D vice-president responsible for foreign affairs Véronique De Keyser:

„We are relieved by the UN General Assembly vote on Palestine and we take note of the Palestinians‘ assurances that the upgraded Palestinian status from observer entity to observer state will help to rescue the Middle East peace process. In turn this will support those in Palestine who have aspired for decades a negotiated political end to the conflict.

We call upon Israel and Palestine to come to the negotiation table and work towards a sustainable solution. The way to achieve this lasting solution must be through direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians under the auspices of the UN.“