LONDON 

The European Council has expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, reiterating its calls for the implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders.

"Recalling the need to implement the ICJ order of 24 May 2024, the European Council expresses deep concern about the consequences on the civilian population of the ongoing ground operations in Rafah," the council said in its concluding statement following Thursday's meeting.

It came after the EU leaders agreed on appointments and nominations for the EU's top jobs and adopted the strategic agenda for 2024-2029, a policy plan that steers the EU's future direction and goals.

They also adopted conclusions on various issues, including the war in Ukraine, and the latest situation in the Middle East.

"The European Council stresses the importance of respecting and implementing the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which are legally binding," said the statement, also welcoming Resolution 2735 adopted by the UN Security Council aiming to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza.

It added: "The European Council calls for the full implementation of the terms of the ceasefire proposal without delay and without conditions, which would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, and an enduring ceasefire and end to the crisis, with Israel's security interests and safety for Palestinian civilians assured."

Deploring all loss of civilian life, the council said it noted with "utmost concern" the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, especially children, as well as the catastrophic levels of hunger and imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza.

Stressing that the services the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) provides in Gaza and across the region are "essential," the council condemned any attempts to label a UN agency as a terrorist organization.

Calls for safe access to holy sites, for status quo to be upheld

It also strongly condemend the ongoing extremist settler violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, inviting the council to take work forward on further restrictive measures against extremist settlers.

The European Council also called for safe access to the holy sites and for the status quo to be upheld, stressing that the special status and character of Jerusalem and its Old City, the inviolability of its sacred spaces and the viability of all its communities "must be preserved and respected by all."

"The European Council condemns the Israeli government's decisions to further expand illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank and urges Israel to reverse these decisions," said the statement.

The council also expressed its concern about the increasing tensions in the region, notably along the Blue Line, and the growing destruction and the forced displacement of civilians on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border.

"In line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the European Council urges all actors to exercise restraint, prevent further escalation and engage in international diplomatic efforts," it added.

Tensions have risen along Lebanon's border with Israel amid cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israeli forces as Tel Aviv pressed ahead with its deadly offensive against the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 37,700 victims since October following an attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.

It also stressed that the European Council "condemns in the strongest possible terms" any threats directed against EU nember states, that also contribute to escalation, reaffirming "unwavering solidarity" with members.

Early June, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hasan Nasrallah warned the Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus against allowing its airports to be used by Israel during the conflict, asserting that it would make Southern Cyprus a party to the war and "Hezbollah would treat it accordingly."

'Russia's assets should remain immobilised'

On Ukraine, the council recalled its previous conclusions on continued support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

It also reconfirmed the bloc's unwavering commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people "for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed."

"Russia must not prevail. The European Council strongly condemns the recent escalation of hostilities by Russia, in particular the further intensified attacks against civilians and civilian and critical infrastructure, especially in the energy sector," said the council.

It also welcomed progress on the initiatives launched by several EU members regarding ammunition and missiles, fighter jets, air defense, and training, calling for their "further reinforcement and acceleration."

"Subject to EU law, Russia's assets should remain immobilised until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused by this war," it noted.

The council reiterated that the EU remains deeply concerned about the fate of all Ukrainian children and other civilians, accusing Moscow of "unlawful deportation" to Russia and Belarus. Russia has denied the claims.