This Sunday, members of the European Council recognized Israel’s right to defend itself, but stressed that the response must be in accordance with “humanitarian and international law” and that the protection of all citizens must be “guaranteed”.
The leaders of the 27 thus established “the common position of the European Union” on the conflict between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas, released in a statement ahead of the extraordinary summit taking place on Tuesday via videoconference to resolve the crisis in the Middle East. – to tackle the East. .
In the joint statement, the European Union (EU) “condemns in the strongest possible terms Hamas and its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Israel” and “strongly regrets” the loss of life.
“There is no justification for terror,” the 27 emphasized.
In this sense, they “strongly insist on Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with humanitarian and international law in the face of these violent and indiscriminate attacks.”
“We reiterate the importance of ensuring the protection of all citizens at all times, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law,” they reiterated.
At the same time, the 27 called on Hamas to “immediately” release all hostages “without preconditions.”
They stressed the importance of providing “urgent” humanitarian assistance and said they were ready to support Gaza’s neediest citizens in coordination with their partners, “to ensure that terrorist organizations do not misuse this assistance.”
“It is critical to prevent regional escalation,” she added.
Finally, community leaders reiterated their continued commitment to “a lasting and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution” through “renewed efforts” in the Middle East peace process.
“We underline the need to work broadly with legitimate Palestinian authorities, as well as with regional and international partners who can play a positive role in preventing further escalation,” they concluded.
European Council President Charles Michel convened an extraordinary summit on Saturday, taking into account that “the unfolding tragedy has many consequences for Europe”.
In the appeal to EU Heads of State and Government, he stated that “the tragic scenes” unfolding in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli siege and “the lack of essential goods, combined with the destruction caused by severe bombing, raise the alarm in the international community.”
The Belgian politician warned in the letter that the conflict could have “serious consequences for the security” of European societies and that, if not “carefully” managed, it could “fuel extremism” or “waves of migration to Europe” could stimulate.
Source: DN
