Photo by براء حبوش on Unsplash
The European Union has repeated its call for a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict.
It says it “fully supports” the call by the leaders of the US, Egypt and Qatar to “conclude the ceasefire and hostages and detainees release deal.”
The move comes after Iran dismissed calls from the UK and other Western countries to refrain from retaliation against Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month.
Amid a flurry of international diplomacy to de-escalate tensions, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to “stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack” in a rare telephone conversation on Monday.
Hundreds of people have also been killed in the almost daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and the Israeli military across the Israel-Lebanon border since the day after the start of the conflict.
French president Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor Olaf Scholz along with Starmer issued a joint statement endorsing the latest push by mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States to broker an agreement to end the Israel-Hamas war.
The European leaders also called for the return of scores of hostages held by Hamas and the “unfettered” delivery of humanitarian aid, and asked that Iran and its allies to refrain from retaliation that would, they say, further escalate regional tensions.
The EU said in a statement by its High Representative on Tuesday that it has “consistently supported the tireless efforts” by the US, Egypt and Qatar to facilitate the negotiations to end the conflict which has claimed thousands of lives.
Brussels says it “welcomes” the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2735, based on the principles outlined by President Joe Biden on 31 May 2024.
In June, EU leaders, while recognising Israel’s right to defend itself, called for the full implementation of the terms of the ceasefire proposal without delay and without conditions.
While recognising Israel’s right to defend itself, the EU has reiterated its “deep concern” with the situation in Gaza and “deplored” the loss of civilian life, noting the “unacceptable” number of civilian casualties.
The deal on ceasefire and hostages and detainees release is urgently needed,” it says.
That deal will also pave the way for a regional de-escalation, believes the EU.
