Draft results of a European Union summit showed that EU leaders will call this week for a “humanitarian truce” in Gaza so that humanitarian aid can be delivered to the Strip “safely,” in light of the Israeli aggression that has continued for 17 days.

Union officials said that the text may change before the summit, which will be held on October 26 and 27.

Some countries expressed reservations about calling for a ceasefire or cessation of fighting, saying that it could be seen as limiting Israel's right to self-defense, as they put it.

Since October 7, Israel has launched an aggression against the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of more than 5,000 Palestinians and the displacement of more than a million people.

The leaders of the 27-nation bloc will meet in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, in the so-called European Council, where the "crisis in the Middle East" will be at the top of the agenda.

"Working to protect civilians"

A draft of the summit’s outcomes, seen by Reuters, revealed that “the European Council supports the call of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for a humanitarian truce in order to allow safe delivery of humanitarian aid and aid to reach those in need.”

The draft also stated that the European Union "will work closely with partners in the region to protect civilians, support those trying to reach safety or provide assistance and facilitate access to food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter."

It also noted that "the European Union reiterates the need for the immediate release of all hostages without any precondition."

In addition, European Union leaders will stress - based on the draft - the need to prevent the war from expanding into a broader conflict in the Middle East and “engage with partners in this regard, including the Palestinian Authority.”

It also stated that the leaders will express their willingness to contribute to reviving talks on consolidating the “two-state solution,” and will express their welcome to the peace summit initiative proposed by Egypt.

“The important thing is more and faster aid.”

European Union foreign policy official Josep Borrell called for providing additional and faster aid to Gaza, indicating that the continental bloc would consider calling for a “humanitarian truce” in the Strip, which is being subjected to intense Israeli bombing.

Borrell said ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers of member states: “What is important? What is important is more and faster aid, especially the introduction of basic materials that can restore the provision of water and electricity.”