EU leaders condemn Hamas attacks, back Israel's right to defend itself

European Union leaders have condemned Hamas attacks on Israel and backed Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law.

Charles Michel

PAP/EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET / POOL

"The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms Hamas and its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel and deeply deplores the loss of lives," EU leaders said in a statement issued on Sunday.

"There is no justification for terror," the statement added. "We strongly emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law in the face of such violent and indiscriminate attacks."

The 27 members of the European Council are united on a common statement that sets the EU position on the situation in the Middle East.

I look forward to the extraordinary #EUCO next Tuesday.https://t.co/ElVI1dBbIq

— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) October 15, 2023

The statement from the European Council, which brings together the leaders of the bloc's 27 member countries, reiterated "the importance to ensure the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law," the Reuters news agency reported.

Israel has the right to defend itself in full compliance with international humanitarian law.

We reiterate the importance of the provision of urgent humanitarian aid.

This conflict has many consequences, including for the EU.

The Union has always been and must always be a… pic.twitter.com/1ffMMJmW3Z

— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) October 15, 2023

EU leaders are scheduled to gather remotely on Tuesday to discuss the Israel-Hamas war.

European Council chief Charles Michel has announced that the meeting will be held by video conference on October 17 at 5:30 p.m.

(gs)

Source: Reuters, PAP