According to draft conclusions for the summit on Thursday 17 October, the twenty-seven heads of state or government of the countries of the European Union are expected to express their deep concern at the military escalation in the Middle East and the risks this poses for the entire region.
Meeting at the European Council in Brussels, the leaders are expected once again to stress the urgency of a ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of Israeli hostages and humanitarian access, and to call for a lasting end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735.
The European Council will reaffirm the EU’s commitment to supporting de-escalation efforts and stepping up its humanitarian aid, particularly in response to the growing needs of the most vulnerable populations in the region.
“The European Council deplores the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, especially women and children, in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the catastrophic levels of hunger and imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza”, read a draft of the conclusions on Tuesday 15 October.
In particular, the European Council should stress the “essential role” of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and condemn any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA (see EUROPE 13503/1).
Iran. European leaders will also strongly condemn the Iranian attacks on Israel on Tuesday 1 October (see EUROPE 13495/15) as well as “Iran’s destabilising actions” via armed groups such as the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas.
Lebanon. The EU27 will call for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They will call for respect for Lebanese sovereignty, reaffirm the EU’s support for the institutions of the Lebanese state, in particular the Lebanese Armed Forces, and for a coordinated international response to strengthen the country’s stability.
The Israeli attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will be strongly condemned, with an appeal to all parties to guarantee the safety of UN peacekeepers and personnel. In addition, the European Council should affirm its support for the UNIFIL mission in the south of the country.
Peace process. Reiterating Israel’s right to defend itself, EU leaders will insist on the need to put an end to the spiral of violence and reprisals. They will also reiterate their commitment to a two-state solution and support international efforts to move towards a just and lasting peace in the region.
“The European Council must firmly push for de-escalation, and insist on respect for international and humanitarian law”, was the recommendation of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, in a letter of invitation sent to the 27 leaders on Wednesday.
See the draft conclusions dated Tuesday 15 October: https://aeur.eu/f/dwo