European Council urges Israel to open Gaza crossings and release Palestinian funds

At a European Council meeting in Brussels on 18‑19 June 2026, EU leaders called on Israel to allow immediate, unhindered humanitarian aid into all parts of the Gaza Strip. They demanded the opening of crossing points, border checkpoints and a medical corridor linking Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem, and urged the UN and aid agencies to operate independently.

The council also pressed Israel to release all Palestinian settlement and bank‑transfer revenues that have been held, to maintain banking correspondence between Palestinian and Israeli banks, and to fully implement UN Security Council resolution 2803. It urged a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, permanent disarmament of Hamas and other non‑state armed groups, and the deployment of a temporary international force to stabilize the area. The EU rejected Israel’s announced plan to control about 70% of Gaza and condemned extremist Israeli ministers for incitement and mistreatment of detainees, noting it may consider restrictive measures against responsible officials.

The European Council reaffirmed its commitment to a two‑state solution based on international law and urged all parties to respect civilian protection standards.