Canberra, March 24 -- President of the European Council Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called for an immediate end to "hostilities" in the Middle East, warning that the escalating conflict is creating a "critical" situation for global energy supply chains, according to France 24.

Addressing the Australian Parliament during her visit to Canberra, the European Commission President said the ongoing conflict is already having far-reaching consequences worldwide.

"We all feel the knock-on effects on gas and oil prices on our businesses and our societies," von der Leyen said alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, as quoted by France 24.

As quoted by France 24, she added, "It is of utmost importance that we come to a solution...