The European Union (EU) says it “stands in full solidarity
with the people of Israel” as the war between the country and Hamas
intensifies.
On October 7, the Hamas militant group launched an unprecedented
and coordinated land, air and sea incursion of Israel, reportedly killing 1,300
Israelis.
The group also kidnapped at least 150 Israelis and took them
into Gaza, its controlled territory in Palestine.
Israel has since ramped up its retaliatory air bombardment
of the Gaza Strip and implemented a total blockade of food, fuel and
electricity on the territory.
The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 1,500, with Israel
amassing tanks and artillery around the territory in preparation for a ground
invasion.
Many world leaders have reacted to the ongoing conflict,
with countries calling for de-escalation and prevention of humanitarian crises.
In a letter addressed to EU members on Saturday, Charles
Michel, the union president, described Hamas’ initial attack as “terror”,
adding that “Israel has the right to defend itself”.
“Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks against Israel last
Saturday resulted in the tragic loss of over a thousand innocent Israeli
civilians. Hostages must be released immediately and without any preconditions.
There is no justification for terror,” the letter reads.
“We stand in full solidarity with the people of Israel and
the victims of the terrorist attacks. Israel has the right to defend itself in
full compliance with international law, in particular international
humanitarian law.”
Michel called for an extraordinary meeting of EU members via
video conference on Tuesday evening to set “our common position” on the
conflict.
“The unfolding tragic scenes in the Gaza Strip resulting
from the siege and the lack of basic needs, combined with the destruction
brought by significant shelling, are raising alarm bells in the international
community,” the letter reads.
“In light of this, I
would like to convene an extraordinary European Council meeting, to be held by
video conference on Tuesday, October 17, at 5:30 pm. It is of utmost importance
that the European Council, in line with the Treaties and our values, sets our
common position and establishes a clear, unified course of action that reflects
the complexity of the unfolding situation.
“This conflict has many consequences, including for us in
the European Union.”
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