EU leaders have unanimously called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid. This is stated in the EU statement on the Middle East, UNN reports.
Details
The EU calls for a new humanitarian pause leading to a lasting ceasefire, the release of all hostages and humanitarian access
In addition, the alliance called on Israel not to conduct a ground operation in Rafah.
The joint statement was published after five months of deep disagreement among the 27 leaders.
The conclusions - the result of intense negotiations on Thursday evening, when EU staff produced a statement pleasing to all 27 leaders - deplore "the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and its disproportionate impact on the civilian population" as well as "the chill caused by insufficient access to aid" to Gaza.
European Council President Charles Michel, who was responsible for reaching a compromise between the leaders, praised the "strong and unified statement.