EU condemns Israeli ceasefire violations in Gaza Strip

The European Union has formally condemned what it describes as repeated Israeli violations of an active ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, calling for strict adherence to international humanitarian law. In a statement released on Sunday, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib denounced the ongoing Israeli military strikes that have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties over the weekend. The EU's intervention highlights growing international concern over the sustainability of the truce and the protection of civilians in the conflict.

Official EU condemnation and legal appeal

Commissioner Hadja Lahbib articulated the bloc's position clearly, stating, "We condemn the repeated violations of the ceasefire in Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians were killed and injured by Israeli strikes over the weekend." Moving beyond the immediate events, she emphasized a fundamental legal principle, stressing that international humanitarian law must be upheld and that the protection of civilians is an unconditional obligation that applies "everywhere and at all times." This statement aligns the EU with a broader diplomatic chorus demanding accountability and restraint.

The human toll of the continued hostilities

According to figures from the Gaza media office, the violence since the ceasefire was established has been severe. The reports indicate that 524 people have been killed and 1,360 injured in Israeli attacks since October 10, 2025. These numbers, though contested by other parties, form the basis of the EU's grave concern and illustrate the devastating human cost of the sporadic but intense fighting that continues despite diplomatic agreements aimed at halting the conflict.

Broader context and calls for durable peace

The EU's condemnation comes amid a fragile and often violated truce in a conflict that has drawn global attention and divided international opinion. The repeated breaches undermine efforts to achieve a lasting political solution and exacerbate a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The statement reinforces the position of nations like Türkiye, which has been a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause and a critic of the military actions, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and a return to meaningful negotiations for a two-state solution.