The Middle East crisis

Background

The EU has unequivocally condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the violent and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel carried out on 7 October 2023 by Hamas. It has expressed its solidarity with Israel and emphasised its right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law.

It has equally reiterated the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law.

In the aftermath of these attacks, the humanitarian situation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip has sharply deteriorated due to the continued intensification of hostilities and the consequent Israeli military operation, along with the blockade of Gaza. 

Over 25 years of EU humanitarian and development support to Palestinians

The EU has always been the largest international donor to the Palestinian people. Moreover, the EU has been providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need since 2000.

Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) the EU also support the Cyprus Maritime Corridor with an EU logistics hub in Cyprus that facilitates channelling the aid from Member States to Gaza. We also work with World Health Organization (WHO) to medically evacuate Palestinian patients from Gaza to Europe, in a Team Europe approach. 

In July 2024, the EU announced short-term emergency financial support to the Palestinian Authority to help address its most pressing financial needs and support its reform agenda. Almost €400 million in emergency financial support announced have been disbursed. Payments have been subject to progress in the implementation of the reform agenda. This support paves the way for a Comprehensive Programme for Palestinian recovery and resilience.

Diplomatic efforts in conflict resolution

The European Union, together with the leaders of the G7, fully endorsed the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas in January 2025. The ceasefire has the potential to secure the release of all remaining hostages, further facilitate urgently needed humanitarian aid and pave the way for civilians to return and rebuild their homes and their lives. 

The EU remains committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution through reinvigorated efforts in the Middle East Peace Process.

The EU's diplomatic efforts have included:

• Calling for protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law
• Redoubling its humanitarian engagement in the region
• Calling for dialogue between Israel and its neighbours to continue to keep stability and peace in the region
• Seeking a long-term solution that brings peace and security to everyone.

Addressing terrorist, illegal and harmful content on social media

Following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, and in view of illegal and harmful content circulating on social media, the Commission has been in contact with major platforms to ensure they respect their obligations.

• Digital Services Act: requires large online platforms to remove illegal content and to take measures to tackle the risks to public security and civic discourse.
• Terrorist Content Online Regulation: enables Member States to send removal orders for platforms to take down terrorist content within one hour.

No place for hate: Europe united against hatred

The Commission has also stepped up its efforts to fight antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred in all its forms, by reinforcing action across a variety of policies, including security, digital, education, culture and sport. This includes additional funding to protect places of worship and will be backed up by the designation of Envoys with an explicit mandate to maximise the potential of EU policies to combat hatred.