Overview

• European Council members called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages.
• Over 56,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, with widespread starvation and attacks on aid operations worsening the crisis.
• The bloc’s diplomatic service found evidence suggesting Israel is breaching human rights obligations under the 25-year-old EU-Israel Association Agreement.
• Despite that assessment, EU leaders halted plans to suspend or amend the trade accord and delayed further discussion until next month.
• Deep divisions between member states supporting Israel and those demanding stronger measures have undermined a unified EU response.