Portugal Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel MFA will visit Israel and the West Bank early next week. This trip will last two days. He will meet leaders from both sides. He will also visit key locations linked to the Israel and Palestine conflict.
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MFA To Visit Israel And West Bank
The visit comes at a critical time. Tensions remain high after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel’s military response in Gaza has added to the crisis. Rangel will express Portugal’s solidarity with Israel. He will also show concern for Palestinian civilians.
Day One: Meetings In Israel
On Monday, Rangel will begin his visit to Jerusalem. He will visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. This museum is Israel official memorial to Holocaust victims. It reminds people of history that still affects Israel today.
After that, Rangel will meet Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. They will talk about security, Portugal Israel relations and Middle East politics.
In the afternoon, Rangel will meet families of hostages taken by Hamas. These families are asking for global help to free their loved ones. This meeting shows Portugal’s support for peace and security.
Later, Rangel will meet the director of the NGO Terrestrial Jerusalem Daniel Seidemann. Seidemann is an expert on the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Their talk will focus on Israeli settlements and the future of Jerusalem.
Day Two: Meetings In Palestine
On Tuesday, Rangel will meet more leaders. First, he will talk with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog. Herzog has an important role in shaping Israel’s foreign relations. They will discuss the war and Portugal’s support for peace talks.
Next, Rangel will meet Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. He is the leader of Catholic Church in the region. They will discuss interfaith dialogue and situation of Christians in Israel and Palestine.
Rangel will then meet Muhannad Hadi. Hadi is UN coordinator for humanitarian aid in the occupied Palestinian territories. They will talk about the needs of Palestinians and how Portugal can help.
Later, Rangel will go to the Palestinian Authority political center Ramallah. He will meet Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority Mohammad Mustafa. Their discussion will focus on Portugal-Palestine relations and economic growth. Rangel will urge Palestinian leaders to use international aid wisely.
Before finishing his visit, Rangel will visit the Amari refugee camp. This camp houses many Palestinian refugees. He wants to see their living conditions and offer Portugal’s support.
Before his trip, Rangel spoke about his goals. He said Portugal stands with Israel against terrorism. But he also criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza. He believes the response was too strong. He will ask Israel to show restraint and protect civilians.
To Palestinian leaders, Rangel will stress the need for good governance. He will urge them to use international support to build a stable and peaceful society.
Missed Trip To Egypt, Possible Visit To Lebanon
Rangel had planned to visit Egypt. Egypt plays a key role in peace talks. But he canceled the Cairo visit due to his upcoming trip to Washington.
Instead, Rangel might visit Lebanon on Wednesday. Lebanon has many political and security problems. Hezbollah, a militant group, has clashed with Israel recently. If confirmed then this visit will focus on avoiding further conflict.
Portugal Role In Middle East Diplomacy
Portugal supports a two state solution. It believes Israel has the right to security. At the same time, it calls for the protection of Palestinian civilians.
Rangel visit shows Portugal’s commitment to peace. Portugal is not a major Middle East power. But its views influence EU policies in the region as an EU member.
Paulo Rangel’s visit is an important diplomatic step. He will meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders. He will also visit humanitarian organizations. His goal is to promote peace and security.
By balancing support for Israel and concern for Palestinians, Rangel hopes to encourage peace talks. His meetings in Jerusalem and Ramallah will cover security and humanitarian issues.
His visit may not change the situation immediately. But it shows Portugal’s dedication to diplomacy in a complex conflict.
