Representational picture. AP
Leaders of the 27 European Union member states on Sunday pressured “Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law” towards the “violent and indiscriminate attacks” by Hamas.
“We reiterate the importance of the provision of urgent humanitarian aid and stand ready to continue supporting those civilians most in need in Gaza… ensuring that such assistance is not abused by terrorist organisations,” the assertion stated.
“It is crucial to prevent regional escalation” of the battle, it added.
The joint assertion was adopted two days forward of an emergency video summit of the member nations known as by European Council President Charles Michel.
“The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms Hamas and its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel and deeply deplores the loss of lives,” it stated, whereas additionally calling for “the protection of all civilians at all times”.
EU leaders say they “remain committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution through reinvigorated efforts in the Middle East Peace Process”.
The joint place comes days after a go to to Israel by European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen, which drew criticism from some diplomates and European deputies.
Addressing von der Leyen in a message on X, previously Twitter, French MEP Nathalie Loiseau wrote Saturday: “Sure, Israel has the suitable to defend itself towards bloodthirsty terrorists.
“You are forgetting an important message: Israel must respect international humanitarian law.”
The loss of life toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has surged to at the very least 2,670 since Hamas’s bloody assault on southern Israel final week, the Gaza well being ministry stated Sunday.
Greater than one million Gazans have been compelled to flee their properties after Israel warned them to maneuver out of the north of the Palestinian coastal enclave.
One other 9,600 individuals have been wounded as Israel continues its blistering air marketing campaign on targets within the Gaza Strip, the Hamas-controlled ministry stated.
Israel declared battle on the Islamist group final Sunday, a day after waves of fighters broke by way of the closely fortified border and shot, stabbed and burned to loss of life greater than 1,400 individuals, most of them civilians.
Round 120 hostages are additionally being held within the Gaza Strip from the preliminary assault.