Brussels: Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy today reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to continued political and financial support for the Palestinian people, calling for stepped-up international efforts to ensure human rights, accountability, and the protection of Palestinians, and to 'forcefully' restore the two-state solution to the global agenda.

According to Oman News Agency, Kallas spoke at the ninth meeting of the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution in Brussels, where international and European officials gathered to discuss ways to stabilise the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and strengthen the prospects for a political settlement.

The EU 'can and must do more' to protect Palestinians and revive the two-state solution, Kallas said in her address, signalling a renewed European push to advance the peace process.

Maxime Pr©vot, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs said the world is going through a turbulent phase, 'but we cannot abandon the compass' - a reference to the Palestinian cause, which he said would remain central because of its impact on stability in the Middle East and beyond.

Dubravka ‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦ uica, EU Mediterranean Commissioner said recovery and reconstruction needs in Gaza are 'very substantial.' About 1.9 million people have been displaced, she said, while reconstruction costs are estimated at about $71.4 million, calling for urgent and coordinated international action.

Mohammad Mustafa, Palestinian Prime Minister said the conference was being held 'at a moment marked by great tragedy, but which also carries a genuine opportunity to move from war to a just and lasting peace.'