European Council President Antonio Costa on Friday warned that Israel’s plan to completely occupy Gaza City “must have consequences” for EU-Israel relations, as condemnation poured in from across Europe over the move, which critics say will worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged enclave.
“I strongly urge the Israeli government to reconsider its decision,” Costa, who chairs the body representing the bloc’s 27 member states, wrote on X. “The situation in Gaza remains dramatic, and the decision by the Israeli government will only further worsen it.”
Leaders from multiple European countries said the plan risks violating international law and intensifying Gaza’s suffering.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Israel to “reconsider immediately,” warning that escalating the offensive “will only bring more bloodshed” and will not help end the conflict or secure the release of hostages.
“The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong, and we urge it to reconsider immediately,” Starmer said in a statement from Downing Street.
