BRUSSELS, 14 Oct. Head of the European Council Charles Michel at the invitation wrote to the heads of state and government of the European Union at a meeting on the Middle East that he fears the negative consequences of the conflict between Hamas and Israel for the European Union.
«Conflict could have grave consequences for the security of our societies. If we do not exercise due diligence, it could escalate tensions between different communities and fuel extremism,» Michel said.
The text of the invitation was published on the website of the European Council.
It is expected that a meeting of European leaders, at which they will try to develop a unified strategy for the next Palestinian-Israeli crisis, will take place on October 17.
Previously, demonstrations were held in EU countries both in support of Palestinians and their rights, as well as actions of solidarity with Israelis facing attacks by Hamas.
In France, police used force against demonstrators protesting for Palestinian rights.
Israel on the morning of October 7 was subjected to an unprecedented-scale rocket attack from the Gaza Strip as part of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, announced by the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement. In addition, after massive rocket attacks, Hamas fighters penetrated into the border areas in southern Israel. In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Within days of the attack, the Israeli military took control of all settlements near the Gaza border and began conducting air strikes on targets, including civilians, in the strip. Israel also announced a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip: the supply of water, food, electricity, medicine, and fuel was suspended.
The number of civilian deaths on each side exceeded a thousand, and several thousand Israelis and Palestinians were injured. Several dead and missing Russians, as well as citizens of other countries, were reported. The Israel Defense Forces reported that Hamas was holding more than 120 civilians hostage in the Gaza Strip.
Consequences of Hamas strikes on Israel
Early in the morning of October 7, air raid sirens sounded in southern and central Israel.
Early on the morning of October 7, air raid sirens sounded in southern and central Israel.
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Hamas officials claim they fired more than five thousand missiles at Israel.
According to Hamas representatives, they fired more than five thousand rockets at Israel.
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The Israel Defense Forces also reported that fighters had infiltrated border areas.
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The Israel Defense Forces also reported that fighters had infiltrated border areas.
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Eyewitnesses reported that street battles were taking place in some settlements.
Eyewitnesses reported that in some There are street battles in populated areas.
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Dozens of people were injured as a result of the confrontation and missile strikes.
Dozens of people were injured as a result of the confrontation and missile strikes.
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The media reported at least five deaths.
The media reported at least five deaths.
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The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) announced a state of readiness for war, and Defense Minister Yoav Galant announced a massive gathering of reservists.
The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) announced a state of readiness for war, and Defense Minister Yoav Galant announced a massive gathering of reservists.
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Soon the Israel Defense Forces announced about the beginning of the "counter-terrorism" Operation «Iron Swords».
Soon the Israel Defense Forces announced the start of " counter-terrorism» Operation Iron Swords.
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The Israeli military said it was carrying out strikes on the Gaza Strip and blocking roads around the enclave.
The Israeli military said it was carrying out strikes on the Gaza Strip and blocking roads around the enclave.
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Early in the morning of October 7, air raid sirens sounded in southern and central Israel.
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According to Hamas representatives, they fired more than five thousand missiles at Israel.
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The Israel Defense Forces also reported that fighters had infiltrated border areas.
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Eyewitnesses reported that street fighting was taking place in some settlements.
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Dozens of people were injured as a result of the confrontation and missile strikes.
5 out of 9
The media reported at least five deaths.
6 out of 9
The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) announced a state of alert to war, and Defense Minister Yoav Galant talks about the massive gathering of reservists.
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Soon the Israel Defense Forces announced the start of a “counter-terrorism” campaign. Operation Iron Swords.
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The Israeli military said it was carrying out strikes on the Gaza Strip and blocking roads around the enclave.
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The Russian Foreign Ministry called on the parties to stop hostilities. According to the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the settlement of the Middle East crisis is possible only on the basis of a “two-state” formula approved by the UN Security Council, which provides for the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with its capital in East Jerusalem.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict, related to the territorial interests of the parties, has been a source of tension and clashes in the region for many decades. A UN decision with the active role of the USSR in 1947 determined the creation of two states — Israel and Palestine, but only the Israeli one was created. Israel, while declaring agreement with the two-state principle, did not completely liberate the Palestinian territories.