France, Oct. 24 -- European Union leaders are pushing for a bigger role in Gaza and the West Bank after being left out of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Meeting in Brussels for a summit dominated by Ukraine and Russia on Thursday, the 27 EU heads of state are also focusing on the fragile truce in Gaza and how the bloc might help stabilise the enclave.

The EU is the biggest donor of aid to Palestinians and Israel's largest trading partner - a sign of its potential influence.

"It is important that Europe not only watches but plays an active role," said Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden as he arrived at the summit. "Gaza is not over; peace is not yet permanent." Pressure on Israel

The conflict has exp...