Israel-Hamas war: EU convenes extraordinary meeting to ‘set common position’

The European Union (EU) says it “stands in full solidarity with the people of Israel” as the war between the country and Hamas intensifies.

On October 7, the Hamas militant group launched an unprecedented and coordinated land, air and sea incursion of Israel, reportedly killing 1,300 Israelis.

The group also kidnapped at least 150 Israelis and took them into Gaza, its controlled territory in Palestine.

Israel has since ramped up its retaliatory air bombardment of the Gaza Strip and implemented a total blockade of food, fuel and electricity on the territory.

The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 1,500, with Israel amassing tanks and artillery around the territory in preparation for a ground invasion.

Many world leaders have reacted to the ongoing conflict, with countries calling for de-escalation and prevention of humanitarian crises.

In a letter addressed to EU members on Saturday, Charles Michel, the union president, described Hamas’ initial attack as “terror”, adding that “Israel has the right to defend itself”.

“Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks against Israel last Saturday resulted in the tragic loss of over a thousand innocent Israeli civilians. Hostages must be released immediately and without any preconditions. There is no justification for terror,” the letter reads.

“We stand in full solidarity with the people of Israel and the victims of the terrorist attacks. Israel has the right to defend itself in full compliance with international law, in particular international humanitarian law.”

Michel called for an extraordinary meeting of EU members via video conference on Tuesday evening to set “our common position” on the conflict.

“The unfolding tragic scenes in the Gaza Strip resulting from the siege and the lack of basic needs, combined with the destruction brought by significant shelling, are raising alarm bells in the international community,” the letter reads.

“In light of this, I would like to convene an extraordinary European Council meeting, to be held by video conference on Tuesday, October 17, at 5:30 pm. It is of utmost importance that the European Council, in line with the Treaties and our values, sets our common position and establishes a clear, unified course of action that reflects the complexity of the unfolding situation.

“This conflict has many consequences, including for us in the European Union.”