EU Leaders Struggle to Address Escalating Crisis in Ukraine and Gaza

The European Union has refrained from calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, instead urging for humanitarian "pauses" to provide aid, as the United Nations warns that its operations are being hindered by Israel's bombardment of the besieged enclave. The UN Security Council is set to vote on a draft resolution put forward by Jordan on behalf of Arab states, which calls for a cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages. The escalating crisis has led to a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with daily airstrikes and an Israeli blockade exacerbating the situation. Pressure is mounting on the international community to persuade Israel to allow desperately needed aid into Gaza, as health services struggle due to power shortages and hundreds of thousands of civilians are displaced.