Leaders of the European Union’s 27 member states on Thursday known as for a direct cease-fire in Gaza and mentioned talks would proceed on a report assessing Israel’s adherence to its settlement with the bloc, which mentioned Tel Aviv’s conduct in Gaza doesn’t align with the human rights rules underpinning its partnership with the EU.
“The European Council calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, leading to a permanent end to hostilities,” the leaders mentioned in written conclusions after a dialogue on the Middle East in Brussels.
The EU’s diplomatic service mentioned final week there have been indications that Israel had breached its human rights obligations below the phrases of a pact governing its ties with the bloc.
“The European Council takes note of the report on Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and invites the Council to continue discussions on a follow-up, as appropriate, in July 2025, taking into account the evolution of the situation on the ground,” the leaders wrote.
EU renews mandates of civilian missions in Palestinian territories
Meanwhile, the European Council on Thursday renewed the mandates of two key civilian missions below its Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), extending their work within the Palestinian territories till June 30, 2026.
The mandates of the EU Border Assistance Mission on the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) and the EU Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) have been prolonged following a coordinated strategic evaluation and based mostly on invites from each Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The council mentioned the missions will proceed working with “a flexible, realistic and scalable approach” to adapt to future developments on the bottom.
EUBAM Rafah, which was briefly redeployed to the Rafah Crossing in February 2025 after years of inactivity, goals to offer a third-party presence on the border between Gaza and Egypt and help the border administration capability of the Palestinian authorities.
Meanwhile, EUPOL COPPS continues to help the Palestinian Civil Police and wider felony justice establishments, contributing to efforts to enhance the rule of legislation and public safety within the West Bank.
European Council said that the EU stays firmly dedicated to “a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution and is ready to contribute to all efforts towards that solution. It also called on all parties to refrain from actions that undermine its viability.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com