International

EU leaders stress the need for assistance after talks on the Israel-Hamas conflict

The leaders of the European Union discussed in a videoconference, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, resulting in more than 4,000 deaths in the last ten days, informs Agerpres.ro.

The meeting focused on current events in the region and the next steps the Union can take to mitigate the consequences of the war, European Council President Charles Michel said after the meeting.

Michel emphasized the importance of humanitarian assistance to Gazans in need. The EU wants to coordinate with the UN "to ensure they have access to the water, electricity, food and medicine they need".

The talks took place in the context of EU citizens still being held hostage by Hamas. The EU reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional release of the three hostages, Michel said, adding that he welcomed the efforts "made by some leaders in the region who are trying to mediate".

The leaders are also discussing the fate of foreign civilians, including some 900 to 1,000 EU citizens stuck in Gaza, Michel said. Egypt has made it clear that it does not intend to open its border crossing to Gaza, the European Council president said. However, the EU hopes Egypt will let humanitarian aid into Gaza and give foreign nationals a chance to leave.

Charles Michel said the EU was working with various leaders in the region to try to organize the evacuation of foreign civilians. EU leaders also agreed to do whatever is necessary to avoid a regional escalation of the conflict.

The European official stressed that the outbreak of violence in the Middle East will not distract the EU from supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia "for as long as necessary".

The war between Hamas and Israel will be back on the agenda at Monday's meeting of foreign ministers from EU member states in Luxembourg and will also be discussed at a summit of EU leaders next week in Brussels.

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