The European Council declared the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages, welcomed the cessation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, with the European Council reaffirming the EU position that Iran “should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons”. This conclusion was released at the end of the EU summit in Brussels on 26 June.
“The European Council calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the unconditional release of all hostages, leading to a permanent cessation of hostilities. It deplores the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the unacceptable number of civilian casualties and the level of hunger,” the EU Middle East Summit concluded.
The European Council called on Israel to fully lift the blockade of the Gaza Strip, allow immediate, unimpeded access and permanent distribution of humanitarian aid throughout the territory, and allow the UN, its agencies and humanitarian organisations to work independently to save lives.
The document deplored Hamas’ refusal to hand over the remaining hostages.
At the same time, the European Council said it “strongly condemns the escalation in the West Bank (Jordan River), including East Jerusalem, following the increase in settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements and the Israeli military operation.”
European leaders called on the EU Council to continue working on further sanctions against extremist settlers, actors and organisations that support them, as well as against “Hamas”.
The document welcomed the cessation of hostilities between Iran and Israel and called on the parties to the conflict to respect international law and exercise restraint. The European Council reiterated the EU’s position that Iran “should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.”
EU leaders also welcomed the recent lifting of economic sanctions against Syria and recalled the importance of a peaceful and inclusive transition in the country “free from harmful foreign interference.”
The European Council conclusions reaffirmed EU support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on all parties to abide by the terms of the 27 November 2024 ceasefire agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.