The leaders of the 27 countries of the European Union (EU) meet today by videoconference to define a common position on the conflict between Israel and the Islamist movement Hamas, and on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The extraordinary meeting was called by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, last Saturday, and will begin at 5:30 p.m. local time (4:30 p.m. in Lisbon).
The Portuguese Prime Minister, António Costa, will participate.
In his letter to the EU Heads of State and Government, Charles Michel acknowledged that “the tragic scenes unfolding in the Gaza Strip, as a result of the siege and the lack of [acesso] basic needs, combined with the destruction caused by major bombings [de Israel]are sounding the alarm to the international community.
“It is of utmost importance that the European Council, in line with the treaties and our values, establishes a common position and a clear and unified line of action that reflects the complexity of the situation that is developing,” he defended.
In the opinion of the President of the Council, the conflict “has many consequences, also for the EU.”
“First of all,” the letter continues, the Union “has always been and must remain a firm defender of peace and respect for international law, as it was during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”
The European Union “must work to provide humanitarian assistance” to the Palestinian population, “avoid a regional escalation of the conflict and any gaps in humanitarian law.”
A European source stated, on Monday, that it is necessary to make “an overview of the situation”, after the dissemination, last week, of “different messages from the European Commission.”
The same source stressed that it is important for the 27 to demonstrate unity in condemning the Hamas attack and Israel’s right to defend itself. However, Member States agreed that it is necessary to maintain dialogue with the Palestinian authorities.
Foreign affairs, he stressed, “is a matter for the Member States, for the Council”, and EU leaders will also address, at today’s meeting, the issue of Palestinian refugees and how to help in this crisis.
Addressing the communities present at the 27, Charles Michel warned of “the consequences”, “if care is not taken”, of the “potential to exacerbate tensions between communities and fuel extremism”, in particular against Muslims and anti-Semitic demonstrations. .
“It is imperative that we face all these challenges together. Our unity is our strength,” he concluded in the letter addressed to the 27.
The Islamist movement Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel on October 7, launching thousands of missiles and invading armed militiamen.
In response, Israel bombed several infrastructures in the Gaza Strip that it identified as belonging to Hamas and imposed a total siege on the territory, cutting off water, fuel and electricity supplies.
The attacks have already caused thousands of deaths and injuries in both territories.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is “at war” with Hamas.
Source: TSF
