Foreign ministers from Egypt and Israel joined European Union officials in Brussels on Monday for the fifth EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting—marking the first high-level gathering since the October 7 Hamas attacks and the ensuing conflict in Gaza.

The Middle East crisis dominated discussions, with starkly opposing views emerging between the Israeli and Egyptian delegations.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar focused his remarks on Hamas, accusing the group of obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries to civilians in Gaza. “Hamas is trying to stop people from getting the aid directly because they want to be the mediators,” he said, alleging that the militant group is exploiting the humanitarian crisis as a financial lifeline.

In contrast, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. “Every day now, more than 100 civilians in Gaza are being killed. Their only crime is waiting for food to survive,” he stated, calling the situation “awful” and pressing for urgent international intervention to stop the starvation and violence.

Despite the tensions, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Israel and nine southern neighbors, including Syria and Libya. When questioned about possible EU actions in response to alleged Israeli violations of the EU-Israel Association Agreement—including the potential suspension of visa-free travel and curbs on settlement-related imports—Sa’ar appeared unconcerned.

The meeting underscored both the complexity of the humanitarian and political situation in Gaza and the EU’s challenge in balancing diplomatic ties with growing concerns over human rights and regional stability.