European Union leaders on Friday called on Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, roll back settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and comply with international law, while also urging the disarmament of Hamas as part of a broader post-war framework.
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 U.N. 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.
