The head of the European Commission criticizes the “abominable” attacks of Israel on some civil locations in Gaza
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Photo source: Frederick Florin / AFP / Profimedia
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, denounced as “abominable” the wave of lethael attacks on civil locations in the Gaza Strip, including a school, during a Tuesday's telephone conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan, AFP reports.
Rescuers claim that the blows of the Israeli forces killed at least 52 people on Monday in the Gaza strip, of which 33 in a school transformed into shelter, into an anti-Hamas renewed offensive that was sentenced to the international stage.
“The extension of Israel's military operations in Gaza, which concerns the civil infrastructure, including a school that served as a shelter for relocated Palestinian families, killing civilians, including children, is abominable,” said Ursula von der Leyen, according to the details transmitted by the EU after the discussion with the Jordan King.
“The European Commission has always supported – and will continue to support – the right of Israel to security and self -defense,” she added.
“But this escalation and the disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law,” warned the president of the European Commission.
Ursula von der Leyen asked Israel to “immediately restore the delivery of aid in accordance with humanitarian principles, with the participation of the UN and other international humanitarian partners.”
The EU has encountered difficulties in trying to have an impact on the conflict, given the long divisions between the European countries that support Israel and those considered more pro-Palestinian.
Last week, with the support of 17 of the 27 Member States, the EU has launched a revision of the association agreement with Israel due to the alleged violations of human rights in Gaza.
The Israeli forces resumed the major operations in Gaza in March, after the collapse of an armistice established in January, which had largely stopped struggles with the Palestinian organization. On Monday, the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for areas of Khan Yunis, a city in the south of Gaza strip, according to AFP.
“Terrorist organizations continue to launch rockets from your areas. Khan Yunis area is considered a dangerous battle area (…).
