During an EU summit in Brussels, European Union leaders have called for humanitarian ceasefires in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.
The EU leaders issued a declaration, expressing their deep concern for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
They called for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of aid to Gaza’s inhabitants.
Criticism has been mounting in the Middle East regarding Israel’s air raids and the complete siege of Gaza, which has resulted in severe shortages of food, water, electricity, and fuel for the 2.3 million people living in the region.
This summit marked the first in-person meeting since Hamas carried out attacks on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the death of over 1,400 people, primarily civilians.
Hamas’s assault has faced widespread condemnation, particularly for the grim events in southern Israeli towns where Palestinian gunmen killed families and kidnapped more than 200 individuals.
The EU leaders reiterated their previous calls for the unconditional release of those held captive and emphasised Israel’s right to self-defense in accordance with international law.
However, some critics have found such statements, similar to those made by the United States, to be insufficient as Israel continues to conduct devastating air strikes that have razed entire neighborhoods and led to the deaths of over 7,000 people in Gaza, including in areas where Israel had previously advised Palestinians to seek shelter.
