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European Union (EU) leaders are to discuss the raging conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has left more than 4,000 dead in the past 10 days, during a video conference on Tuesday.

The EU summit is to focus on the next steps the regional body can take to avoid a regional escalation of the conflict and security consequences for the bloc.

European Council President Charles Michel said this ahead of the meeting.

The talks will also focus on humanitarian assistance for civilians and possible large-scale migration within the region amid Israel’s evacuation order for northern Gaza and its looming offensive.

The EU “has always been and must always be a steadfast advocate for peace and respect for international law,’’ Michel stated.

The talks also took place against the backdrop of a number of EU citizens that was held hostage by Hamas.

In a joint statement published on Sunday, EU leaders called on Hamas to immediately release all hostages without any precondition.’’

They condemned “Hamas and its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel and deeply (deplore) the loss of lives.’’

Leaders also stressed Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law.

The joint statement came after the European Commission first announced that it would suspend aid payments for Palestinians.

This happened before changing its position to say that humanitarian aid would be disbursed and increased after criticism from some member states.

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