European Union (EU) leaders are set to hold an urgent meeting on Tuesday amid growing worries that the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group, Hamas, could escalate community tensions in Europe and result in an influx of refugees seeking safety.
The emergency session aims to provide clarity following a sequence of mixed messages, statements, and EU official visits in the wake of Hamas’s Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel, sparking renewed conflict in Gaza.
The conflict’s toll has exceeded 4,000 casualties in both Israel and Gaza since Hamas initiated its actions, with nearly 200 Israelis, including children, held captive. Across Europe, demonstrations showing solidarity with both factions have taken place, with some facing prohibitions.
EU Council President, Charles Michel, highlighted potential significant security implications for European societies due to the conflict, as he announced the summit.
The discussions will primarily revolve around delivering aid to affected civilians and collaborating with regional nations to mitigate escalating tensions.
France, in recent days, has prohibited pro-Palestinian rallies, witnessing a surge in antisemitic incidents. It’s worth noting that both the EU and the US label Hamas as a terrorist entity.
Following bomb threats directed at the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles over the weekend, France mobilized 7,000 soldiers to bolster national security in the aftermath of a fatal school attack by an alleged Islamic radical.
Germany has also intensified its security measures, extending military aid to Israel and vowing to suppress any domestic support for Hamas. German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, emphasized Germany’s enduring commitment to ensuring Israel’s safety.
Michel voiced concerns about the war’s capacity to amplify inter-communal discord and breed extremism within Europe. He also highlighted the heightened risk of large-scale migration to adjacent nations.
The summit will explore avenues to assist civilians trapped in the conflict and partner with Middle Eastern and Persian Gulf nations to deter the conflict’s proliferation.
