EU leaders urge Gaza cease-fire, review Israel’s compliance with deal

The European Union’s 27 heads of state and government on Thursday issued a unified call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the need for Israel to uphold its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

In formal conclusions adopted during a European Council meeting in Brussels, leaders stated: “The European Council calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, leading to a permanent end to hostilities.”

The Council also acknowledged a recent report by the EU’s diplomatic service suggesting that Israel may have breached its commitments to human rights under Article 2 of the bilateral agreement. EU leaders invited continued deliberations on possible follow-up actions in July, depending on developments in Gaza.

Civilian Mission Mandates Extended

In parallel, the European Council renewed the mandates of two critical civilian missions under the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) in the Palestinian territories through June 30, 2026.

The EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) and the EU Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) will continue to operate with a “flexible, realistic and scalable approach,” according to the Council’s statement.

EUBAM Rafah, redeployed to the Rafah Crossing in February 2025, provides third-party support to Palestinian authorities at the Gaza-Egypt border. EUPOL COPPS remains active in supporting the Palestinian Civil Police and criminal justice institutions in the West Bank.

Call for Two-State Solution

Reaffirming its long-standing position, the European Council reiterated the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution and called on all parties to avoid actions that could jeopardize peace efforts.

“The EU stands ready to contribute to all initiatives toward a just, lasting, and sustainable peace,” the Council concluded.