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.
European Council President Charles Michel
The EU stands 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.
Hostages must be released immediately and without any preconditions. There is no justification for terror.
The European Council is expected to discuss:
providing humanitarian assistance and avoiding a regional escalation of the conflict and any breaches of humanitarian law
the engagement with regional actors to seek a lasting and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution
potential security consequences for our societies
the risk of onward migratory waves to Europe