Leaders of the European Union are holding an urgent summit to formulate a unified statement in reaction to the Israel-Hamas crisis.

Following days of varying and occasionally contradicting pronouncements, the EU leaders are attempting to unify their position on the ongoing issue in order to ease tensions that have developed within the group as a result of the confusing messages.

The discussion on Tuesday is of utmost significance as the EU struggles to articulate its position on the intensifying Israel-Hamas conflict as a whole.

European Council President Charles Michel has emphasized the need to establish a unified course of action that accurately reflects the complexity of the evolving situation.

“It is of utmost importance that the European Council sets our common position and establishes a clear unified course of action that reflects the complexity of the unfolding situation,” European Council President Charles Michel said.

 

The EU’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict has faced criticism for certain statements and diplomatic initiatives. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, faced backlash for appearing to speak on behalf of the entire bloc during her visit to Israel.

Her assertion that Israel has Europe’s backing generated controversy. Furthermore, there were criticisms that she did not explicitly state the EU’s expectation that Israel would adhere to international humanitarian law in its response to Hamas’s October 7 attacks, a position taken by other EU leaders.