ISTANBUL

European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday condemned Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip and violence in the occupied West Bank.

He urged Tel Aviv to stop those actions during a speech at the High-Level International Conference on Finding a Solution to the Palestinian Issue and Implementing the Two-State Solution, held in New York City under the auspices of the UN and led by France and Saudi Arabia.

Emphasizing the need to end the catastrophe in Gaza, Costa reiterated the bloc’s demand for an urgent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid and an end to insecurity.

"We condemn the ongoing military offensive in Gaza City. We also strongly condemn the violent escalation in the West Bank. We call on Israel to end these operations and to stop illegal settlements," said Costa.

Noting that the State of Palestine has been recognized by a majority of EU member states "thanks to the momentum provided by this conference," Costa underlined the importance of a two-state solution as the "only way."

-European Commission chief urges Gaza to be rebuilt

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged a focus on a two-state solution.

Stating that any future Palestinian state must be economically sustainable, von der Leyen announced that the EU would create a dedicated instrument for the reconstruction of Gaza, in coordination with efforts by other donors.