During the European Council summit in Brussels, EU leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza but did not call for an immediate ceasefire. Instead, they agreed on the necessity of an 'immediate humanitarian pause' in the region. This decision, however, fell short of the expectations of some member states like Ireland and Spain, who had been advocating for an immediate ceasefire.
While the EU has approved a maritime corridor from Cyprus to deliver aid supplies to Gaza, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of ensuring 'full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access into Gaza' through all routes, including land crossings.
Israel, which has tightened controls on aid entering Gaza via land crossings, denies allegations of obstructing aid deliveries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel's policy aims to prevent famine and facilitate the entry of humanitarian support as required.
Von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel urged the Israeli government to refrain from launching a ground operation in Rafah, highlighting the potential consequences of such a move. Michel expressed concerns about the impact of a ground operation and emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions in the region.
