The 27 EU countries, in their joint statement on the situation in the Middle East, called for an “immediate cessation” of hostilities and the creation of “humanitarian corridors”, including through increased capacity at border crossings and through a special sea route, so that humanitarian aid can safely reach the population of Gaza.

This was emphasized today by the High Representative of the EU, Josep Borrell, attending the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

The EU’s foreign policy chief said he was “satisfied” that all 27 EU countries had managed to reach a “joint statement” last night on Sunday – something he said was “difficult” to achieve given different way EU countries voted at the United Nations two weeks ago. “I worked all weekend to present a united approach,” said Z. Borrell.

In particular, Borrell said that in this joint statement EU countries are calling for “immediate pauses” in hostilities and the creation of “humanitarian corridors” to address the “dire situation” in the Gaza Strip.

The “27” also call on Israel to show maximum restraint to ensure the protection of civilians.

Alongside they condemn Hamaswhich uses Gaza’s civilian population and hospitals as “human shield“, and express their concern about the situation in the Gaza Strip and especially about the hospitals.

“Gaza needs more aid in water, food and fuel,” Z. Borrell said, noting that the aid is at the border with Egypt and is awaiting the green light to pass into the besieged enclave.

In addition, EU Foreign Ministers will today again discuss military support for Ukraine as winter approaches and will talk via video conference with their Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba. “The EU’s support to Ukraine continues with military support reaching €27 billion – the largest amount ever agreed,” stressed Z. Borrell.

Finally, the Foreign Ministers will have a separate meeting with their counterparts from the Western Balkan countries, where they will discuss the European Commission’s recent Enlargement proposals.