The European Union will provide 50 million euros (around $52 million) in additional humanitarian aid for Gaza, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday.

Speaking at a news conference in Brussels following the first day of the EU leaders' summit, von der Leyen said the first 56 metric tons of aid from the EU have already been delivered to Gaza via two flights to Egypt.

During their meeting Thursday, European leaders expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Gaza and called for aid to reach those in need via "humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs" — stopping short of calling for a ceasefire.

Von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel both emphasized the bloc's commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis.

The EU is in contact "with the leaders in the region in order to encourage solutions on humanitarian front and release of the hostages," Michel said.

Asked whether Hamas representatives will be participating in an upcoming conference aimed at resolving the conflict, Michel said he "doesn’t see any role" for the group, citing its designation as a terrorist organization.