EU countries are still discussing the idea of a humanitarian ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas but there are different ways to get much-needed aid to Palestinians in Gaza, Swedish foreign minister Tobias Billstrom said on Monday, according to Reuters.
“The discussions are ongoing, but the question really isn’t about a ceasefire, but about how to bring aid forward and that can be done in very many different ways,” he told reporters after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
He said Sweden preferred a U.N. proposal for a humanitarian corridor.
Earlier on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell voiced support for a “humanitarian pause,” but some of the bloc’s foreign ministers expressed reservations about the idea.
European Union leaders will call this week for a „humanitarian pause” in the Israel-Hamas war so that humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza can safely reach those in need, draft conclusions of an EU summit showed.
Leaders of the 27 countries that make up the European Union will meet in Brussels on Thursday and Friday in what is called a European Council, and the situation in the Middle East will be high on their agenda.
“The European Council supports the call of UNSG Guterres for a humanitarian pause in order to allow for safe humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need,” the draft conclusions of the summit showed.
“The European Union will work closely with partners in the region to protect civilians, support those who are trying to get to safety or provide assistance, and facilitate access to food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter. It reiterates the need for the immediate release of all hostages without any precondition,” said the draft, seen by Reuters.