The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, announced that 26 out of 27 EU member states called on Monday for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip, while the “Israeli” army announced that it is preparing to launch an attack on the city of Rafah in the southernmost part of the Strip.

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Borrell stated in a press conference following a meeting of European foreign ministers that this request, rejected by Hungary, signifies a "cessation of hostilities" paving the way for a permanent ceasefire later on.