“There is no contradiction” between supporting Israel and “meeting humanitarian aid needs” in Gaza, says Ursula von der Leyen
“There are no contradictions between showing our solidarity with Israel and, of course, acting to meet the humanitarian aid needs for the people of Gaza”underlined on the night of Thursday to Friday the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the end of a European Council focused on the situation in the Middle East.
European leaders have called for the establishment of “humanitarian corridors” and of “breaks” in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in order to be able to meet the needs of the civilian populations in Gaza. The heads of state and government of the 27 countries of the European Union (EU) expressed their “deepest concern regarding the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza”in a statement defining a common line after more than two weeks of cacophony on the subject.
They demanded “continuous, rapid, secure and unimpeded humanitarian access (…) to assist those in need by any means necessary, including humanitarian corridors and breaks for humanitarian needs”.
“Unity is our strength”greeted the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, on the social network The declaration required intense negotiations over the words used, with the Twenty-Seven seeking a balance between support for Israel and solidarity with civilians in Gaza.
The summit was held after Israel announced that it had entered the Gaza Strip for several hours with tanks to “prepare the battlefield” of a land offensive. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has shown unreserved support for this operation. “Israel is a democratic state with very humanitarian principles that guide it and we can therefore be sure that the Israeli army will respect the rules of international law in what it does. I have no doubt about that”he said.
In a brief declaration, adopted after five hours of discussions, the Twenty-Seven underline that the EU is in favor of the organization of a “international conference for peace” which would take place ” shortly “. This idea of a conference ” in the six months to come “ had been highlighted by the head of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, upon his arrival.
The Twenty-Seven also reaffirm “Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with humanitarian and international law”. They reiterate their call to Hamas for “immediate release of all hostages”.
European leaders all strongly condemned the unprecedented attack launched on October 7 by Hamas, which according to Israel left at least 1,400 dead and 224 hostages, four of whom have been released since Friday evening. But consensus is less strong on the question of stopping the bombings carried out in retaliation by Israel on the Gaza Strip, which have killed more than 7,000 people, according to the Hamas health ministry which controls this Palestinian territory.