In a joint statement they published this evening (Thursday), the 27 leaders of the European Union called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire that will lead to a sustainable ceasefire”. First they wrote that they are “shocked by the unprecedented loss of civilian life and the critical humanitarian situation. We call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire that will lead to a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all abductees and the provision of humanitarian aid.”
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They condemned the terrorist organization Hamas “in the strongest possible terms”, regarding the “brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks throughout Israel on October 7”, they wrote. They also said that they recognize Israel’s right to defend itself “in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law”, and called for “the immediate release of all the abductees without preconditions”.
The European Union delegation to Israel (Photo: Y.H.E. Embassy of the European Union in Israel)
The leaders called for increased work on additional sanctions against Hamas, adding that “Hamas and the other armed groups must immediately provide humanitarian access to all remaining abductees.” However, they said that they are “deeply troubled by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the disproportionate impact on civilians, especially children, as well as the immediate risk of starvation caused by insufficient aid flow into Gaza.”
They claimed that “full, fast, safe and uninterrupted humanitarian access into Gaza and across the Strip on all routes – is essential to provide the civilian population with life-saving aid and basic services on a large scale.” They also praised the opening of the sea route to Gaza and added that “more land routes and crossings are needed.”
Parachute humanitarian aid in Gaza (Photo: REUTERS/Kosay Al Nemer)
They stressed about the relief organization for the Palestinians that “the services UNRA provides in Gaza and throughout the region are essential. We welcome the rapid opening of an internal investigation at the United Nations and the external investigation following the serious allegations against 12 UNRWA employees regarding their alleged participation in the terrorist attacks of October 7,” and even said regarding the sexual crimes committed by Hamas: “We support independent investigations of all allegations on sexual violence”.
“We implore the Israeli government not to launch a ground operation in Rafah that would worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and prevent the urgently needed supply of basic services and humanitarian aid,” they stated.
Documentation of the operation to rescue the kidnapped in Rafah (photo: IDF spokesperson)
On Judea and Samaria they said that they are calling for speeding up the sanctions on settlers, and against the background of the approval of the construction of about 3,500 housing units in Ma’ale Adumim they called on the government to stop the construction. Their full words: “We call for an immediate halt to the violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as guaranteeing safe access to the holy places. We strongly condemn the violence of extremist settlers. Those responsible must be brought to justice. We call for speeding up the work on the adoption of targeted restrictive measures. We condemn the government’s decisions Israel to further expand the illegal settlements and call on Israel to cancel these decisions.”
IDF forces in Judea and Samaria (photo: IDF spokesperson)
In conclusion, they stated: “The European Union remains committed to a permanent and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. Palestinians and Israelis have an equal right to live in safety, dignity and peace. The Union calls on all parties to refrain from actions that undermine the principle of the two-state solution and the prospect of a future Palestinian state.”
European Union flags against the background of the Union headquarters in Brussels (Photo: Reuters)