Iohannis: It is necessary to coordinate efforts for safe evacuation of citizens from Israel, Gaza Strip

President Klaus Iohannis participated on Tuesday in the extraordinary meeting of the European Council, in videoconference format, on the topic of the situation in the Middle East after the Hamas attacks on Israel.According to the Presidential Administration, the extraordinary summit was convened by the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, with the aim of crystallizing at the EU level a clear and unified vision regarding the lines of action in this complex framework, the conflict having consequences including for the European Union and European citizens. The European leaders pleaded, during the discussion, for the respect of international humanitarian law, the avoidance of the escalation of the conflict, the identification of solutions for obtaining a lasting peace, based on the two-state solution, as well as the avoidance of tensions and the exacerbation of extremism at the level of European societies, in this context.During the meeting, President Klaus Iohannis highlighted the need to send a unified EU strategic message regarding the evolution of the situation on the ground, the quoted source informed. The head of state once again condemned the terrorist attacks against Israel, expressing regret for the loss of human lives."The President of Romania emphasized that our country unequivocally supports Israel's legitimate right to self-defense, which must be exercised in accordance with international humanitarian law," adds the Presidential Administration.President Iohannis also conveyed, related to the role that the European Union has in solving this crisis and in continuing to support the solution of the two states, that the EU will have to continue to coordinate closely with the United States and with regional partners who share the same vision , in order to avoid the expansion of the conflict, to ensure access to humanitarian aid and to protect the civilian population.The head of state highlighted the need to coordinate efforts to facilitate the protection of civilians and the safe evacuation of citizens both from Israel and the Gaza Strip and assured that Romania is ready to provide emergency humanitarian assistance.Also, President Klaus Iohannis drew attention to the fact that, in this context, and at the level of European societies, the spread of tensions, polarization and extremism is noticeable, and efforts are needed to limit the impact of disinformation and hate speech within the EU.The head of state sent, on this occasion, condolences for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Belgium and France and condemned these acts of extreme violence, which have no justification, the Presidential Administration also informs.