“Congratulations! Bosnia and Herzegovina’s place is in the European family. Today’s decision is an important step on your path to the EU. Now the hard work must continue so that Bosnia and Herzegovina can move forward steadily, as its people wish,” Charles Michel emphasizes in his post on “X”.
Middle East conclusions: European Council calls for immediate humanitarian pause leading to sustainable ceasefire
The European Council is calling for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire in the recently adopted Middle East conclusions. At the same time, the “27” urge the Israeli government not to proceed with a ground operation in Rafah, which will worsen the already disastrous humanitarian situation and prevent the delivery of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid.
It is also noted that the European Council expresses its disgust at the unprecedented loss of civilian life and the critical humanitarian situation.
Recalls at the same time its previous conclusions, which condemn Hamas in the strongest terms for the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel on 7 October 2023, recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself under international law and international humanitarian law, and demanding the immediate release of all hostages without any conditions. Their safety and well-being are of grave concern. The European Council calls on the Council to speed up work on the adoption of further relevant restrictive measures against Hamas. Leaders are deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and its disproportionate impact on civilians, especially children, as well as the imminent risk of famine. Full, rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to the entire Gaza Strip through all routes is essential to provide the civilian population with life-saving assistance and basic services. The European Council welcomes the “Amalthia” Initiative which opens a sea route for emergency aid from Cyprus to Gaza, which complements land routes which remain the main mode of delivery of needed supplies. Additional land routes and crossings are required.
The conclusions stress that immediate action should be taken to prevent any further movement of population and to provide safe shelter to the population to ensure that citizens are protected at all times. The European Council urges the Israeli government not to launch a ground operation in Rafah, which would worsen the already disastrous humanitarian situation and prevent the delivery of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid. More than a million Palestinians are currently seeking safety from the fighting and access to humanitarian aid, the Summit concluded.
All parties must respect international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The European Council underlines the importance of respecting and implementing the judgment of the International Court of Justice of 26 January 2024, which is legally binding. Violations of international humanitarian law must be thoroughly and independently investigated and accountability ensured. The European Council notes with grave concern the reports of the United Nations Special Envoy Pramila Patten and expresses its horror at the sexual violence during and after the attacks of 7 October. The European Union supports independent investigations into all allegations of sexual violence.
The European Council underlines that the services provided by UNRWA in Gaza and throughout the region are essential. The European Council notes recent EU measures and financial support. Welcomes the rapid launch of an internal investigation and external review by the UN following serious allegations against 12 UNRWA staff regarding their alleged involvement in the 7 October terrorist attacks. It looks forward to the results of the investigation and further decisive action by the UN to ensure accountability and strengthen monitoring and oversight.
The leaders are calling for an immediate end to violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as for safe access to the holy sites. The European Council strongly condemns the violence of extremist settlers. Perpetrators must be held accountable. The European Council calls on the Council to speed up work on the adoption of relevant targeted restrictive measures. The European Council condemns the Israeli government’s decisions to further expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and urges Israel to reverse these decisions.
The European Union will continue to work intensively with regional and international partners to prevent further regional escalation, in particular in Lebanon and the Red Sea. The European Council calls on all actors, especially Iran, to refrain from escalating actions. Welcomes the launch of the EU’s Operation Shields to ensure freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the wider region.
The European Union remains firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. Palestinians and Israelis have an equal right to live in safety, dignity and peace. The European Council calls on all parties to refrain from actions that undermine the principle of the two-state solution and the viability of a future Palestinian state.
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