EU Divided Over Israel-Hamas Conflict; Calls for Humanitarian Corridors Amid Rising Death Toll

EU Foreign Affairs Chief Proposes Greater EU Role in Palestinian State Construction Amid Ongoing Crisis

EU foreign ministers are divided over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with some countries like France, Spain, Belgium and Ireland calling for a full cease-fire, while others like Germany argue that a cease-fire could benefit Hamas and undermine Israel's right to self-defense.
The EU has called for immediate pauses in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors, as well as the release of remaining hostages, but also re-emphasized Israel's right to defend itself.
More than 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza amid Israel's retaliation for the October 7 Hamas attacks, with NGOs warning of deteriorating conditions at hospitals in Gaza.
Hamas is accused by the EU, which designates it as a terrorist organization, of using hospitals and civilians as human shields.
EU's foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, has proposed a more involved role for the EU in the construction of a Palestinian state, arguing that the EU has been too absent and has delegated the solution to the United States.