EU leaders have unanimously called for an immediate humanitarian pause and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, following months of deep divisions among the 27 member states. The breakthrough came after Hungary agreed to the statement for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war began. The European Council President praised the unified statement and urged Israel to halt its planned invasion of Rafah and abide by the International Court of Justice’s order to prevent genocide in Gaza. The EU’s call for a ceasefire aligns with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s push for an immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages at the UN Security Council.
The leaders expressed deep concern and called for additional land crossings to deliver life-saving aid to Gaza, as a new maritime corridor, Amalthea, received the EU’s support. While the EU and US are shifting towards a ceasefire, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with over 500,000 people at risk of famine by May. International organizations have been forced to suspend food deliveries due to chaos and hunger in the region.
The EU is in lockstep with its trans-Atlantic ally as they push for peace in Gaza. The unity among EU leaders, despite previous divisions, sends a strong message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The statement emphasizes the need for immediate action to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and prevent further suffering among civilians.
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