The European Union has signaled that Hamas representatives are not considered eligible to participate in a future international conference aimed at resolving the Middle East crisis. This stance was clarified by Charles Michel, the President of the European Council. He described Hamas as a terrorist organization and emphasized that dialogue should occur with states and legitimate actors that can contribute to peace. His remarks stress that Hamas does not have a place at such a conference, a position echoed by many EU member states. (Source: EU official statements, attributed to the European Council leadership.)
On a separate note, Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’s Political Bureau, issued calls for arms supplies and financial support directed at Arab and other Muslim nations. The public discourse surrounding these appeals highlights the broader regional stakes and the risk of external influence shaping the conflict. (Source: Hamas leadership communications, attributed to regional news coverage.)
In related developments, Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, reaffirmed the bloc’s alignment with United Nations efforts to manage the crisis. He noted that the EU fully supports UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose remarks to the UN Security Council have been described as distorted by some observers. The administration of the UN and its peacekeeping framework remains central to the EU’s approach to restoring stability in the region. (Source: EU foreign policy briefings, attributed to EU offices.)
Earlier in the month, Hamas launched a large-scale assault that included thousands of missiles fired toward Israeli territory. The operation, named Al-Aqsa Flood by Hamas, was followed by incursions in Israeli-held areas and the capture of a significant number of hostages and military equipment. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was at war. The scale and timing of these actions underscored the volatility of the conflict and the urgent need for regional and international diplomacy. (Source: regional security assessments, attributed to military and government briefings.)
The Israel Defense Forces launched an offensive named Iron Swords with the objective of dismantling Hamas’s operational capabilities. Multiple strikes targeted Hamas facilities and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip as part of a broader effort to degrade militant networks and restore security for civilians. (Source: military operation summaries, attributed to defense communications.)
In the wake of these military moves, governments and international organizations continued to press for restraint, civilian protection, and a return to negotiations. The overarching goal cited by many leaders is to reduce violence, prevent escalation, and create the conditions for durable peace in the region. (Source: public statements from international leaders, attributed to official channels.)