ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The European Council supports holding a peace conference to find an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the head of the council said on Friday, just hours before a communications black out in the Gaza Strip amid an intensified bombing campaign by Israel.
“Yesterday we took a very important decision to support an international peace conference that should take place soon. This clearly signals our political will, showing unanimity, showing that we are united and ready to play a strong role with other partners,” President of the European Council Charles Michel told Rudaw’s Alla Shally during a press conference.
The military wing of Hamas carried out a surprise attack against Israel on October 7, killing around 1,400 people, according to Tel Aviv. Hamas says Israel has killed over 7,000 Gazans in retaliation. On Friday evening, Israel cut off phone and internet connections in Gaza and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari said ground forces “are expanding their activity.”
Michel said the European Council has called for humanitarian corridors to be opened and is actively talking with Middle Eastern nations.
“We must be extremely active on the political level and diplomatic level. Since the start of this terrorist aggression against Israel and its people by Hamas, immediately the European leaders at all levels have decided to engage in a very active way with all the leaders in the region, Israel, but also the other countries in the region,” he said.
The European Union leaders wrapped up a two-day summit in Brussels on Friday, discussing latest developments in the world, especially in the Middle East.
On Friday evening, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” in Gaza.
