EU eyes call for ‘corridors and pauses’ for Gaza aid

Brussels: EU leaders on Thursday debated calling for “pauses” in Israel’s war with Hamas to get aid into Gaza, as the bloc weighed how to respond to the conflict as fighting rages in Ukraine.

The European Union has struggled for both unity and influence in the face of the crisis that has engulfed the Middle East since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7.

The surge in bloodshed has stretched Europe’s attention at a time of rising doubts about the West’s ability to keep supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

The 27-nation bloc has long been split between more pro-Palestinian members such as Ireland and Spain, and staunch backers of Israel including Germany and Austria.

After days of talks the latest draft statement for the summit calls for humanitarian “corridors and pauses” so aid can reach civilians in Gaza.

That statement — which could still change when leaders meet in Brussels — falls short of demands from the United Nations for a ceasefire.

Diplomats said Germany and other strong supporters of Israel sought to temper any wording that could be seen as tying Israel’s hand.

Diplomats from some EU nations warn that delays over finding the right words as the death toll mounts are hitting the bloc’s global standing.

“We can feel that some in the world are using the circumstances to try to rally a part of the international community to attack the European Union,” Michel said.

The eruption of violence in the Middle East has sparked fears the West could get distracted from Russia’s war on Ukraine, 20 months into the invasion.