Brussels: European Union leaders have demanded humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Gaza war. During an EU summit in Brussels, the leaders issued a declaration calling for an end to the fighting and giving much-needed aid to Gaza.
“The European Council expresses its gravest concern for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and calls for continued, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures, including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs,” the declaration shared.
The declaration was issued as the Middle East countries severely criticised Israel’s air raids and a “complete siege” in Gaza, cutting off access to food, water, electricity, and fuel for the strip’s 2.3 million inhabitants.
The summit is the first in-person meeting since the war began on October 7, when the Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, which killed more than 1,400 people.
The EU leaders also reiterated previous calls for the immediate release of those held captive “without any precondition” and emphasised Israel’s right to defend itself “in line with international law”.
The devastating air strikes have destroyed entire neighbourhoods and killed more than 7,000 people in Gaza, some in places where Israel had told Palestinians to move for safety.
Health services in Gaza have been strained as Israel’s siege blocks access to necessary medical supplies, and doctors are currently working under the light of phones as fuel supplies run out.
Over the past week, only a few trucks with aid could enter Gaza through the border with Egypt, the only remaining point for exit and entry.
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