Statement by Middle East Quartet in June 2010

The Quartet:
- reaffirms its concern over the current economic, political and security situation in Gaza
- reiterates its call for a solution that addresses Israel’s legitimate security concerns, and promotes a viable Palestinian state under rule of Palestinian Authority
- welcomes new Israeli policy towards Gaza
- stresses importance of UN and other international bodies in Gaza
- commits to stopping illegal entry of illegal arms to Gaza
- calls for the release of Gilad Shalit, and condemns Hamas' violation of international obligation to permit access by the International Committee of the Red Cross
- reiterates its support for proximity talks towards the resumption of direct bilateral negotiations that should lead to a settlement and results in the emergence of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza, living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours.