European Council holds discussion on the situation in the Middle East

On Tuesday 17 October, The European Council held an extraordinary video meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland at the meeting.

The members of the European Council released a joint statement on the situation in the Middle East on 15 October. In the statement, the European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas across Israel and deeply deplores the loss of lives. The EU leaders also stress the importance of providing urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza in cooperation with their partners, while ensuring that such assistance is not abused by terrorist organisations.

“Finland has strongly condemned Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel. Israel has the right to defend itself in line with international law. In responding to the crisis, the EU must show unity and readiness to act. When it comes to respecting international law, the EU must be consistent,” says Prime Minister Orpo.

The European Council is strongly committed to supporting a lasting and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution. The EU is also prepared to increase humanitarian funding for the region and to continue its support for the legitimate Palestinian authorities. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation.

There is a lot of disinformation concerning the events in the region and the role of the EU, and the EU must be able to respond to it through its own consistent actions. Consistency in the EU’s actions and messages also plays an important role in ensuring continued support for Ukraine. 

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 50 441 5768, Prime Minister’s Office