In view of the developments within the last days in Gaza, the hostage taking and the Israeli military reaction, the ambassadors met today upon the initiative of the EU Presidency to assess the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories. The EU remains deeply concerned about the worsening security and humanitarian developments. The European Union Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process will be travelling to the region within the next hours. He will be in touch with the Parties. The EU will continue to follow events closely.