The European Union has called on both sides of the conflict in Gaza to agree a ceasefire based on a 2012 agreement ending the embargo of the Palestinian territory and securing the border with Israel.
In a statement released on Friday, the EU said it is “extremely concerned about the continued escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and the deplorable increase in the number of civilian deaths, among them more than 190 children.”
Reiterating its condemnation of civilian deaths, the EU called for an investigation into the recent deaths of 16 Palestinians sheltering in a United Nations-administered school in Beit Hanoun.
“This is the fourth occasion on which an UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency] shelter has come under fire,” the statement said. “These latest events underscore the importance of establishing humanitarian corridors in Gaza as a matter of urgency.
“Civilians who wish to leave conflict zones must be allowed to do so.”
The statement added: “We reiterate our condemnation of the indiscriminate firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas and other militant groups.”
The EU also drew attention to the West Bank where two Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces during a march on Thursday in Qalandia.
Since July 7 at least 864 Palestinians have been killed and 5,700 injured. Israeli casualties have consisted of 32 soldiers and two civilians killed.
