EU’s Costa Condemns Israel’s Offensive in Gaza

(MENAFN) European Council President Antonio Costa strongly criticized Israel’s harsh military operation in Gaza and reiterated his demand for an immediate halt to hostilities.

“Now it's time to cease fire, to stop bombing, to stop killing people, to stop destroying Gaza and to stop illegal settlements in the West Bank,” Costa declared on Wednesday during a joint media briefing with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.

He pointed out that European nations had denounced the Oct. 7, 2023 assault by Hamas on Israel and consistently urged for the unconditional liberation of hostages, but stressed that Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza cannot be justified under the principle of self-defense.

“That's the reason we are calling for a ceasefire, for immediately ending the blockage of humanitarian aid and to stop the illegal settlements in the West Bank. But unfortunately, Israel is not listening to their friends,” Costa stated.

“But it’s impossible for the European Union not to react when we watch day by day on television terrible images of what’s happening in Gaza and in the West Bank.” he continued.

His comments followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal of fresh steps aimed at raising pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s administration, including sanctions on extremist ministers and violent settlers, as well as the partial suspension of the EU’s free trade agreement with Israel.

Since the launch of Israel’s severe campaign in Gaza in October 2023, more than 64,600 Palestinians have died, including over 18,000 children, according to Palestinian officials.

These figures have also been validated by international institutions, among them the UN.

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