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EU leaders call for immediate Gaza ceasefire, to review Israel agreement in July
Leaders from the European Union's 27 member countries called on Thursday for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and said discussions would continue on a report on Israel's compliance with the terms of an agreement with the bloc. read more
European Union leaders on Thursday demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and signalled that a formal review of Israel's compliance with the bloc's human rights standards would take place next month.
In a joint statement released after a summit in Brussels, the heads of the EU's 27 member states called for 'an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages,' describing it as a necessary step toward a lasting halt to the conflict.
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The European Council also acknowledged a report assessing Israel's adherence to Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which ties bilateral relations to respect for human rights and democratic principles. The Council said discussions on possible responses would continue in July, depending on developments on the ground.
The EU's external diplomatic service had raised concerns last week, stating there were signs Israel may have violated its obligations under the agreement amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The bloc has long faced internal divisions over its response to the Israel-Palestine crisis, with member states split on how to balance security concerns with humanitarian obligations. However, Thursday's unified call reflects growing pressure within the EU to reassess its diplomatic stance as civilian casualties mount in the region.
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