Israel's decision to take over Gaza City "must have consequences for EU-Israel relations", EU Council President Antonio Costa said on Friday, adding that this will be assessed by the Council and that he urged the Israeli government to reconsider.
"Not only (does the decision) violate the agreement with the EU announced by the High Representative on July 19 but also undermines fundamental principles of international law and universal values," Costa, who heads the European Council that represents EU member states, added in his statement on X.
Earlier, Belgium's foreign minister on Friday summoned the Israeli ambassador citing Israel's announced plan to occupy Gaza City and take military control of the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, the ministry said Belgium wanted to "express (its) total disapproval of this decision, but also of the continued colonization ... and the desire to annex the West Bank," adding that it will "vigorously advocate" for a reversal of this decision.
"Following the official confirmation by the Israeli government of its intention to encircle and then occupy Gaza City and take military control of the entire Gaza Strip, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has decided to summon the Israeli Ambassador," it said.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said his country considers a plan by Israel to take over Gaza City “a risky step.”
Lipavsky said the Czechs believe that Israel will take all necessary steps to protect the civilian population and will act in line with international law while the release of all hostages and a lasting ceasefire remain priorities.
He said the only way of reaching a long-term peace is a two-state solution of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
“The condition for that to happen is that Gaza will not be ruled by the terrorists from Hamas, which is a position shared by Czechia, Israel and a number of Arab countries in the region," Lipavsky said in comments to the state-owned CTK news agency.
The Czech Republic has been one of Israel's biggest allies in the EU.
