The 27 European Union nations have jointly condemned Hamas for the use of hospitals and civilians as �human shields� in the war against Israel.

At a meeting of the bloc�s foreign affairs ministers, Borrell brandished a statement he issued on behalf of the 27 nations as a show of unity following weeks of often contrasting statements on how the group should address the Israel-Hamas war.

�You know how difficult it has been the last times, after the vote in the United Nations, where countries were voted in different ways, to present a completely united approach,� Borrell said. Only hours after EU leaders professed unity over the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 28, the member states were totally split in a vote on a General Assembly resolution calling for humanitarian truces in Gaza leading to a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Now, though, the EU nations said in a statement they join �calls for immediate pauses in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors, including through increased capacity at border crossings and through a dedicated maritime route, so that humanitarian aid can safely reach the population of Gaza.�

And they reiterated their �call on Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. It is crucial that the International Committee of the Red Cross is granted access to the hostages.�

And as a key tenet, it said that �the EU condemns the use of hospitals and civilians as human shields by Hamas.�

Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins said that �Hamas is unfortunately using civilian infrastructure and civilians as shields against the Israeli Defense Forces. So the situation absolutely not black and white.�

He added that �no one in the West is interested in supporting any terrorist organization.�

The nations stopped short of calling for a cease-fire.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said she understood �the impetus for a cease-fire.� But she said those who seek one must answer questions �for example, how can the demand for a cease-fire, acutely, and now in this terrible situation guarantee that Israel�s security is assured? What happens with the 200 hostages, and who negotiates it in a situation where negotiations barely seem possible?�

(AP)