European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday spoke out strongly against Israel’s expanded military operations in Gaza.
“The European Commission has always supported and will continue to support Israel’s right to security and self-defence, but this escalation and disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law,” von der Leyen said.
“The expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza targeting civilian infrastructure, a school that served as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families, killing civilians, including children, is abhorrent,” she said, after a call with King Abdullah II of Jordan.
The European Union calls on Israel “to put an immediate halt on the current escalation,” she said, and on Hamas to release the remaining hostages.
Von der Leyen also urged Israel to lift its blockade of Gaza.
“Israel needs to immediately restore aid delivery in line with humanitarian principles, with the participation of the UN and other international humanitarian partners,” she said.
“Europe’s commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on a two-state solution remains unwavering.”(dpa/NAN)
