Foreign minister Xavier Bettel expressed deep concern over the evolving situation in the Gaza Strip at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday.

"The protection of civilians and the release of hostages are paramount. Immediate establishment of a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza is imperative, requiring concerted efforts at both European and bilateral levels," emphasised Minister Bettel.

He underscored the urgent need for Israel to reopen the Rafah crossing for aid access and facilitate humanitarian aid distribution within Gaza. Speaking to the press, he added that if the EU does not back the International Court of Justice's order on Rafah, the EU were "like a dog that barks but doesn't bite".

Asked whether Luxembourg will recognise the Palestine State, Bettel said: "I want to have an impact. I know there are other countries...a movement of even 12 countries, that would show that the recognition of Palestine is not just a European decision...we will certainly do it. Because Palestine has a right to be recognised."

In the run-up to the meeting, Germany announced a further 39 million euros in humanitarian aid for Gaza.

The meeting took place as Israel faced a wave of international condemnation over a strike that Gaza officials said killed 45 people when it set off a fire that ripped through a tent city for displaced Palestinians.

The UN called on Israel to conduct a "thorough and transparent" investigation into the Rafah strike, as the Israeli military said it was launching a probe into civilian deaths.

Serious human rights violations in Russia should be sanctioned

Serious human rights violations in Russia should be sanctioned, EU foreign ministers agreed on Monday morning at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

Discussions also included EU support for Ukraine, as well as the current situation in Georgia, Venezuela and Haiti.

Finally, on the sidelines of the CAE, Xavier Bettel had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi.