The EU has toughened its tone towards Israel and called for an „immediate humanitarian pause“ in the Gaza Strip. This should lead to a permanent ceasefire, according to the EU summit’s statement. At the same time, the heads of state and government called for „the unconditional release of all hostages“. Israel was urged to refrain from the planned ground offensive in Rafah, as it „would exacerbate the already catastrophic humanitarian situation (in Gaza)“.