European Union leaders agreed during a summit in Brussels today, Thursday, to call for "humanitarian corridors and a ceasefire" to deliver much-needed aid to Gaza. The leaders of the twenty-seven member states expressed "serious concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza" in a summit declaration. They urged the "continued, rapid, safe, and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to those in need through all necessary measures, including humanitarian corridors and a ceasefire to meet humanitarian needs."
This summit marked the first direct meeting of leaders since the deadly attack launched by Hamas, which prompted a retaliatory response from Israel including bombings and a blockade of Hamas-controlled Gaza. In their declaration, the leaders reiterated their previous condemnation "in the strongest possible terms" of the Hamas attack and emphasized Israel's right to defend itself "in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law." They also renewed their call for Hamas to immediately release all hostages "without any preconditions."
The declaration stated, "The European Union will work closely with partners in the region to protect civilians, provide assistance, facilitate access to food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and ensure that terrorist organizations do not misuse this aid."
