The European Union expressed grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for full implementation of the ceasefire and all provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, in a statement delivered on 28 July 2026 at the UN Security Council Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East. The statement, delivered by Quentin Weiler of the EU Delegation to the UN, urged Israel to allow full, immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access into and throughout Gaza, reopen border crossings and the medical corridor between Gaza and the West Bank, and reverse its decision on the NGO registration law. The EU also called for the permanent disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups, full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and deployment of the temporary International Stabilisation Force as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. The EU reiterated its support for the Palestinian Authority's reform agenda and called on Israel to release all withheld clearance revenues and extend correspondent banking services between Israeli and Palestinian banks. On the West Bank, the EU condemned the expansion of illegal settlements and settler violence, urging Israel to reverse settlement expansion including in the E1 area, and stated it is looking into possible further measures against actions undermining the two-state solution. The EU also addressed regional tensions, deploring the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran and condemning Iran's actions disrupting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as Houthi threats to impose a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia. The EU welcomed the framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel on 26 June, urging all actors to abide by its terms and calling for a permanent end to hostilities and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. On Syria, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition, welcomed the formation of the People's Assembly, and called on Israel to respect the demilitarized buffer zone and uphold the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.
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