Leaders of the EU demand "pauses" in the Israel-Hamas confrontation so that aid can go to Gaza

At their meeting on Thursday in Brussels, Belgium, leaders of the European Union voiced their worries over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and demanded that "aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures."

According to the leaders, these actions include "humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs."

In addition, leaders demanded "continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access" to Gaza in their Middle East communiqué, which outlines the EU's position.

Humanitarian "pauses" are not the same as asking for a ceasefire, which has been rejected by a number of European governments.

"Will work closely with partners in the region to protect civilians, provide assistance and facilitate access to food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter," the 27 heads of state and government of the European Union unanimously decided.

The leaders of the European Union once again called on Hamas to "immediately release all hostages without any precondition" and denounced the terrorist organization in the "strongest possible terms for its brutal and indiscriminate attacks across Israel."

The leaders also reaffirmed that the EU "deplores all loss of civilian life" and stressed "the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law."