Brussels, June 26, 2025 (Lusa) - Portugal's prime minister on Thursday assured that there is a "firm stance" among European Union (EU) leaders to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by the Israeli offensive, and that he expects all parties involved in the conflict to cooperate in providing assistance.
“I believe that there is a very strong position from the [European] Council regarding the need to put an end to the difficulties, which are indeed very serious and intolerable in terms of humanitarian aid,” said Luís Montenegro upon arriving at the European summit in Brussels.
Speaking to Portuguese journalists at the entrance to this European Council, which will discuss instability in the Middle East, the head of government added: “From this point of view, I sincerely hope that the parties can work together to end the humanitarian scourge that is currently affecting the Gaza region.”
European leaders will today discuss support for Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion and call for a diplomatic solution in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, following a NATO summit focused on military reinforcement.
EU heads of government and state are meeting in Brussels for the third ordinary meeting chaired by the current President of the European Council, António Costa, which, like the previous ones, is heavily influenced by current geopolitical events.
They are expected to call for the containment of tensions in the Middle East, which have been intensifying due to the recent military escalation between Israel and Iran and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip due to the Israeli offensive.
A document from EU diplomacy, discussed on Monday by the ministers of foreign affairs of the European bloc, admits that there are indications that Israel has violated the association agreement with the EU, specifically Article 2, on obligations to respect human rights, with its actions in Gaza.
This report will be discussed by EU leaders, and the most difficult point of the European summit is likely to be precisely these conclusions. Some member states see "Israel's disproportionate use of force as unacceptable" and want to see this reflected in the text, while other countries refuse to mention it, according to diplomatic sources heard by Lusa.
According to the latest draft of the conclusions of this European Council, to which Lusa had access, a text that has yet to be approved, EU leaders will highlight “the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the latest developments regarding Iran”.
Portugal is represented at the meeting by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
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