More than 29,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war against Hamas began.
Brussels:
Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said all EU countries except Hungary called on Monday for an “immediate moratorium” on the war in Gaza.
The EU has been working hard for a unified response to Israeli military action following the Hamas attack on October 7.
But Borrell said foreign ministers from 26 countries had agreed to issue a statement calling for an “immediate suspension of humanitarian operations to achieve a sustainable ceasefire”.
EU countries also reiterated calls on Israel not to launch attacks on the Gaza city of Rafah, which has become the main refuge area for the disaster-stricken region.
Hungary is a staunch supporter of Israel and often refuses to echo EU statements seen as critical of the country.
Other EU countries, such as Germany, have so far been reluctant to call for an “immediate” halt to Israel’s actions. It does not want to be seen as supporting any move that might limit Israel’s right to self-defense.
The war began when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on October 7 that killed about 1,160 people in southern Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli data.
The health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory said Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed more than 29,000 people, mostly women and children.
According to Israel, Hamas, considered a “terrorist” organization by the United States, the European Union and other governments, has also taken about 250 hostages, of which 130 remain in Gaza and 30 of them are presumed dead.
Israel has warned that it will continue its offensive during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, including in Rafah, unless Hamas releases all hostages.
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