EU calls for 'immediate' halt to hostilities
(BRUSSELS) - European Union foreign ministers Monday called for an "immediate" halt to hostilities in Gaza and Israel as a new strike in a sixth day of violence pushed the toll in Gaza to over 100.
"An immediate cessation of hostilities is in everyones interest, particularly at a time of instability in the region," the bloc's 27 ministers said in a statement.
"All attacks must end immediately as they cause unjustifiable suffering of innocent civilians."
The statement said the EU backed the efforts of Egypt and others to mediate for a rapid ceasefire.
It said that the EU "strongly condemns the rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip which Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza must cease immediately. There can be no justification for the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians."
The ministers recognised that "Israel has the right to protect its population from these kinds of attacks" but it stressed that "in doing so it must act proportionately and ensure the protection of civilians at all times."
The EU said the conflict underlined "the urgent need to move towards a two-state solution allowing both sides to live side-by-side in peace and security."
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