The European Union, in a statement delivered at the UN Security Council on 28 July 2026, expressed grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for a sustained increase in humanitarian access, full implementation of the ceasefire under UNSCR 2803, and renewed commitment to the two-state solution. The statement, delivered by Quentin Weiler of the EU Delegation to the UN, also addressed the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, the resumption of US-Iran hostilities, Houthi threats in the Red Sea, the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement, and Syria's political transition.
The EU called on Israel to allow full, immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access into and throughout Gaza, including reopening border crossings and the medical corridor between Gaza and the West Bank, and to reverse its decision on the NGO registration law. It reiterated the need for the permanent disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups, full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and deployment of a temporary International Stabilisation Force as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, endorsed by UNSCR 2803. The EU pledged continued support through EU BAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS, and backed the Palestinian Authority's reform agenda, including elections, while calling on Israel to release withheld clearance revenues and extend correspondent banking services.
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 to preserve the Status Quo of Jerusalem's holy sites. It warned it is looking into possible further measures against actions undermining the two-state solution. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to the New York Declaration and the Global Alliance for Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-hosted with Norway and Saudi Arabia.
Regarding Iran, the EU deplored the resumption of US-Iran hostilities and condemned Iran's actions disrupting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and indiscriminate strikes on neighbouring countries. It called for implementation of UNSCR 2817 and commended Pakistan, Qatar and other regional partners for mediation efforts. The EU stressed that freedom of navigation through the Strait must remain unconditional and consistent with UNCLOS, and that no state can impose discretionary limits on transit passage.
The EU welcomed the framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel on 26 June 2026, urging all actors to abide by its terms and reject additional conditions from Hezbollah. It called for a permanent end to hostilities, full implementation of UNSCR 1701, Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, and Hezbollah's disarmament. The EU expressed readiness to support implementation, including through a possible CSDP mission, and to contribute to a continued UN presence in Lebanon post-UNIFIL.
On Syria, the EU committed to supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition, strengthening cooperation with the Syrian transitional government, and engaging with the newly formed People's Assembly. It encouraged cooperation with UN bodies and called on all external actors to respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while urging Israel to respect the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.
The statement was also aligned with by candidate countries Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.