Michel calls for an extraordinary summit of EU leaders to agree on a common position on Gaza

BRUSELAS, 14 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The president of the European Council, Charles Michel, has called an extraordinary summit of heads of state and government of the EU for next Tuesday and by videoconference in order to agree on a common position on the open conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Strip. from Gaza.

"I would like to convene an extraordinary European council by videoconference on Tuesday, October 17 at 5:30 p.m.," Michel published in an official statement.

"It is vitally important that the European Council establishes, in line with the Treaties and our values, a common position and a clear and united course of action that reflects the complexity of the situation," Michel added.

Michel's text reiterates the condemnation of the "brutal terrorist attacks" of October 7, when Hamas militiamen entered Israeli territory and killed more than 1,300 people. Michel also calls for the "immediate release" of the hostages "without conditions" and emphasizes that "there is no justification for terrorism."

He also reiterates the defense of Israel's right to defend itself "in full compliance with International Law, in particular with International Humanitarian Law."

Michel also refers to the "tragic scenes" in the Gaza Strip as a result of the "siege" imposed by Israel and the "significant bombings."

The President of the Council also highlights the need to provide humanitarian aid to the civilian victims of the conflict, a veiled reference to the hasty announcement by the Neighborhood Commissioner, Oliver Varhelyi, who announced on Monday that Brussels was freezing "immediately all planned payments" to Palestine. .

Michel has also warned that "the conflict could have serious consequences for the security of our own societies." "If we are not careful it could exacerbate tensions between communities and fuel extremism," he said.

Finally, Michel referred to the "risk of migration" of people in large numbers to neighboring countries "that already have a significant number of refugees in their territory" and to the possible "migratory waves towards Europe." "It is imperative to face all these challenges together. Our unity is our strength," Michel stressed.

The position of Michel and the High Representative for EU Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, also contrasts with that of the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who has defended in recent days her unconditional support for Israel, ignoring the nuance that it must comply with International Law.

Tuesday's videoconference also stands out since the leaders of the 27 had already met at the end of the month to meet at the traditional autumn European Council.