European Council President Charles Michel has urged the Israeli government to halt violence in the Middle East.
“This cannot go on. We want a democratic strong state of Israel living in peace and security side by side with the Palestinian people.
“The Palestinians should have their own stable and viable state,” he told the UN General Assembly in New York.
“Drawing Lebanon into the spiral is irresponsible, absolutely irresponsible,” he added.
Addressing the Israeli government, Michel appealed for peace.
“Trying to achieve security without peace is impossible. Without peace, there cannot be lasting security.
A world that is driven by revenge is a less safe world.”
Israel launched an air and ground campaign against Iran-aligned Hamas in Gaza to retaliate for a Hamas rampage through southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage.
The death toll in Gaza stands at more than 41,500 after nearly a year of fighting, according to the Hamas health authority, which does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.
