EU leaders on Friday issued a sharply worded statement on the war in Gaza and the situation in the West Bank, urging Israel to allow full humanitarian access, reverse settlement expansion and comply with international law, while calling for Hamas to be disarmed as part of a wider post-war settlement, Anadolu reports.
In conclusions adopted June 18-19, the European Council said it was “gravely concerned” about the “deteriorating situation” in Gaza, describing a “devastating humanitarian crisis” and demanding immediate, unimpeded aid deliveries “at scale” across the territory.
It called for border crossings to be reopened, including a medical corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank, and said international media should be granted access.
The statement also pressed Israel to allow UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to operate independently and urged compliance with international humanitarian law, stressing that civilian protection “needs to be ensured at all times.”
EU leaders backed the use of alternative supply routes, including the Cyprus maritime corridor, to supplement land access.
