Leaders of European Union countries gathered in Brussels on Thursday and called for the opening of “humanitarian corridors and a ceasefire” to facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict in Palestinian and Israeli territories.
In an announcement made after five hours of deliberations, the European Council expressed “deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza” and called for the continuous, rapid, secure, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance through all necessary means, including humanitarian corridors and ceasefires, to meet humanitarian needs.
The escalating tensions between the Palestinian movement Hamas and Israeli forces have continued following the launch of “Operation Aqsa Storm” by Hamas on October 7th.
Thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, and Israeli forces entered settlements bordering Gaza, capturing a significant number of Israeli military personnel and civilians.
In response, Israel initiated “Operation Iron Swords,” vowing to make Hamas pay a steep price for its attacks. On October 8th, Israel officially declared war on Gaza, with the Israeli Defense Forces announcing the complete takeover of the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, tensions have also risen along the Israel-Lebanon border, with intermittent artillery exchanges between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, raising concerns in Israel about potential infiltration operations from the Lebanese border into Israel.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized on several occasions in recent days that the Palestinian-Israeli escalation is a result of failed US policies in the region.
He has warned of the dangerous implications of escalating violence between Palestinians and Israelis on regional stability.
The devastating Israeli bombardment of Gaza has sparked widespread protests and condemnations across the Middle East. Several Arab and Islamic countries, along with Russia and China, have called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
However, the United States and Israel oppose these calls, with Washington exercising its veto power in the United Nations Security Council to prevent a resolution requiring Israel to cease its continuous shelling of Gaza since October 7th, where over two million Palestinians reside.
The Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in 7,028 deaths and approximately 18,482 injuries. In the West Bank, clashes have led to the deaths of over 105 Palestinians and injuries to around 2,000 others. The Israeli casualties have reached 1,400 people, with 5,431 others injured. The conflict continues to unfold with profound humanitarian implications.
