The Commission president, who is seeking a second term, made the remarks during a debate co-organized by POLITICO in Maastricht.
In response to a question about how she proposes to end the war in Gaza, von der Leyen said she had always defended Israel’s right to defend itself, while calling on Israeli leaders to act within limits of humanitarian law and international law.
Von der Leyen said she visited Rafah and found the number of “innocent civilians” and “especially children” dying “unbearable” and “unacceptable.”
She called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas and a two-state solution.
“This is the only solution that will bring peace to the region,” she said.
Israel is threatening to invade Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip, where more than half of Gaza’s population is taking refuge.
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