The Council took stock of developments in the Middle East Peace Process and adopted conclusions on the question.
Council deplores the loss of civilian life on both sides of the conflict and calls for the immediate end to all attacks as they cause unjustifiable suffering of innocent civilians.
The European Union calls for an urgent de-escalation and cessation of hostilities and supports the efforts of Egypt and other actors to mediate for a rapid ceasefire.
Once again, the European Union strongly condemns the rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip by Hamas and calls on Israel to respond to these attacks in a proportionate manner to ensure the protection of civilians.
The Council indicates that the current situation underlines once more the urgent need to move towards a two-state solution allowing both sides to live side-by-side in peace and security. It states that the European Union will continue working with all those with influence in the region to bring this about.