They also called for the ‘’unconditional release of all hostages.”
They recalled the EU’s previous conclusions condemning Hamas ‘’in the strongest possible terms for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel on 7 October 2023, recognising Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law, and calling for the immediate release of all hostages without any precondition.’’
They urged the Israeli government not to undertake a ground operation in Rafah,
Meeting in Brussels on Thursday, the 27 European Union leaders discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, and unanimously adopted a text calling for ‘’an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire’’ in the war between Israel and Hamas.
The EU member states have been divided on Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and have failed to show a united front until now. Some countries, such as Germany, have shifted their position on calling for a cease-fire.
The text also calls for the ‘’unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance.’’
The leaders expressed their ‘’deep concern at the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza’’ and ‘’its disproportionate effect on children, as well as the imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid.’’
European Council President Charles Michel called the situation “a humanitarian tragedy.”
EU leaders urged the Israeli government not to undertake a ground operation in Rafah, which, they said, ‘’would worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and prevent the urgently needed provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance.’’ They stressed that over a million Palestinians are currently seeking safety from the fighting and access to humanitarian assistance there.
The leaders recalled the EU’s previous conclusions condemning Hamas ‘’in the strongest possible terms for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel on 7 October 2023, recognising Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law, and calling for the immediate release of all hostages without any precondition.’’
In the October 7 attack against communities of southern Israel, Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 hostages.
‘’Their safety and well-being is of grave concern. Hamas and other armed groups must immediately grant humanitarian access to all remaining hostages. The European Council calls on the Council to accelerate work on the adoption of further relevant restrictive measures against Hamas,’’ the text added.
The European Union also said it ‘’supports independent investigations into all allegations of sexual violence, noting also the reports by UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem..’’
Regarding UNWRA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, the text adopted stresses that ‘’the services UNRWA provides in Gaza and across the region are essential.’’
However, the EU welcomed ‘’the swift launch by the UN of an internal investigation and external review following the serious allegations against 12 UNRWA staff about their alleged participation in the 7 October terrorist attacks.’’
‘’ It looks forward to the results of the investigation and further decisive action by the UN to ensure accountability and strengthen control and oversight,’’ the text mentioned.