On 18 May 2021, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, took part in an informal videoconference of European Union (EU) foreign affairs ministers convened to discuss the upsurge in violence between Israel and Palestine.
Exchanging views on current developments, the EU Foreign Ministers expressed their concerns over the ongoing violence and a high number of civilian deaths and injured, and they underlined the need for immediate de-escalation. The ministers discussed the events leading up to the outbreak of violence and stressed that the parties to the conflict must avoid further unilateral measures that could increase the existing tension. The foreign ministers looked at ways for the EU to be engaged to reduce tension and prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the region.
At the meeting, the Latvian Foreign Minister, Edgars Rinkēvičs, voiced again Latvia’s concerns and perspective on the urgency of the situation, and he underlined the need for an end to the violence as well as action to reduce the chances of escalation. The Minister expressed his regret at the high number of victims both in Israel and the Palestinian territories and condemned the missile attacks by the terrorist group Hamas on Israel, while stressing the need for maximum restraint in Israel’s response. The Minister put special emphasis on the responsibility of each side to prevent attacks on civilians and members of the media.
Edgars Rinkēvičs urged the EU to assume an active role in reducing escalation by working with both Israelis and Palestinians, and other countries in the region in close coordination with international partners, especially the United Nations and the United States of America.