The EU on Thursday night reiterated the importance of the ensuring protection of civilians in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
Following the European Council meeting in Brussels, the bloc also expressed "its gravest concern for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza."
The council "calls for continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs," read a statement posted on X by Ecaterina Casinge, spokesperson of European Council President Charles Michel.
It also recalled "the need to avoid regional escalation and to engage with partners in this respect including with the Palestinian Authority."
The European Council is "ready to contribute to reviving a political process on the basis of the two-state solution," the statement added.
It also emphasized ,Israel's right to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law and called on Hamas to immediately release all hostages without any precondition.
Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas into Israeli territory on Oct. 7.
Over 8,400 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 7,028 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.
Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been running out of food, water, medicine, and fuel, and aid convoys allowed into Gaza have carried only a fraction of what is needed.
