Brussels 26.10.2026 Addressing the European Council, the European Parliament president Robertf Metsola said that taking a strong stance against terror and making all efforts to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis are not mutually exclusive.
“As a Union, we have a responsibility to remain coherent and united. To do this is not to condone more death and violence but to avoid a dangerous regional escalation of the conflict. We must leave even a sliver of possibility that peace can ultimately be found” Metsola said after attending the EU Summit.

“The European Parliament has condemned Hamas in the strongest possible terms. We know that Hamas must be stopped.

“As a Parliament we have always and will always keep insisting on respect for international law, that the humanitarian consequences of stopping Hamas must be a priority and that aid must be able to reach the innocent people in need.

“Taking a strong stance against terror and making every effort to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza are not mutually exclusive.

“That is why we keep doing everything that we can to protect innocent lives. Why we work to free hostages and get aid across and why the European Parliament has called for a humanitarian pause to achieve that”.

In the longer term, Europe should stand ready and willing to engage. We must continue to push for sustainable and lasting peace. For a fair two-state solution that is equitable and just. There is a role for Europe and we have a duty to meet this moment”.

During the press-conference Metsola expressed the opinion of the EU Parliament on a number of issue, including Ukraine:

“Our support will continue in humanitarian, logistical, military, re-construction and political terms.

“Provided that the conditions are met, I remain hopeful that agreement to open accession talks between the EU and Ukraine, and with Moldova using the same yardstick, can be achieved by the end of this year.

“Giving our European neighbours a clear European perspective is achieving its intended purpose. But while Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans are reforming and getting ready for the next steps – Europe also needs to be getting ready to do the same. This is becoming critical”.