Emergency Meeting of the European Union; European Officials Concerned About the Consequences of the Israel-Hamas War

European Union leaders will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the implications of the war between Israel and the militant group Hamas. European leaders are worried that this war could exacerbate "tensions between communities" in Europe and lead to an influx of more refugees to the continent. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, stated on Monday that the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza could have significant and irreparable security consequences for European communities and countries. EU officials aim to reach a unified EU position regarding this crisis and find ways to assist civilians and prevent the escalation of tensions. Since the onset of the war between Israel and Hamas, over 4,000 people have been killed in Israel and Gaza. In protest of this event, demonstrations supporting both sides have taken place across Europe. Leaders of the 27 EU member states issued a statement on Sunday, October 15, emphasizing "Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with humanitarian and international law against violent and indiscriminate attacks by Hamas," while also expressing readiness to continue supporting the needs of civilians in Gaza. The United Nations also reported that, one week into the war between Hamas and Israel, the number of war refugees, predominantly Palestinians, has exceeded 400,000.