EU leaders gather in Brussels for summit 'at time of great global instability'

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Leaders of EU member states are gathering Thursday in Brussels for a European Council summit in "difficult times."

The leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of global issues, including developments in the Middle East, the EU budget, migration, economic issues as well as the situation in Ukraine during the two-day meeting.

European Council President Charles Michel said it is important to "demonstrate again that the EU is united to defend its principles, to defend its values."

Reiterating support for Israel's "right to defend itself in line with the international law," Michel condemned Hamas for attacking Israel Oct. 7.

"Civilians must be protected, always and everywhere," said Michel.

He noted that leaders will also discuss Russia’s frozen assets and how to mobilize funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

He posted Wednesday on X that the meeting comes at "a time of great global instability," referring to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

"These developments require our immediate attention, without distracting us from our continued support to Ukraine," he added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said they are meeting today "in times of great upheaval."

She noted the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East and the migration issue and said: "With all these challenges, the European Union needs to react and act united and resolute."

Von der Leyen said they are providing "crucial humanitarian aid" to civilians in Gaza, as well as providing Ukraine with the support it needs to resist "a steadfast manner."

"We're working very hard with the member states to manage migration," she said, adding "all this needs funding."

"And this is the reason why I've proposed a revision of the EU budget to be able to fund these very important tasks," she added.

The conflict in Gaza began when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack on Oct. 7 that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched a relentless bombardment of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 8,500 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 7,028 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been running out of food, water, medicine, and fuel, and aid convoys allowed into Gaza have carried only a fraction of what is needed.