(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The EU Tuesday voiced extreme concern at the continued escalation of violence in Gaza and called for an immediate cessation of the hostilities based on a return to the November 2012 ceasefire agreement.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting here today discussed the situation in Gaza and released a statement welcoming on-going efforts by regional partners, and in particular by Egypt, and reiterated its readiness to provide the necessary support to this end.
The EU condemned the loss of hundreds of civilian lives, among them many women and children.
"The EU is particularly appalled by the human cost of the Israeli military operation in Shuja'iyya, and is deeply concerned at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation. All sides must meet their obligations and immediately allow safe and full humanitarian access in Gaza for the urgent distribution of assistance. The EU calls on all sides to implement in good faith an immediate cease fire," said the statement.
It "strongly condemned the indiscriminate firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas and militant groups in the Gaza Strip." The Council underlined that the humanitarian and socio-economic situation in Gaza must be addressed.
It reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and individuals to and from the Gaza Strip.
"Recent events in the wider Middle East pose serious threats to the EU as well as to its immediate neighbours. The European Union reiterates its fundamental commitment to the security of Israel, including with regard to current and emerging threats in the region," it noted.
The EU is willing to work with the US and other partners on an initiative to relaunch the peace negotiations on the basis of a two-state solution, it added.
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