European Council President Antonio Costa says he is “shocked” at the situation in Gaza, where Israel has launched an expanded offensive.
“Shocked by the news from Gaza: starving civilians, hospitals hit again by strikes. The violence must stop!” Costa says in a statement online.
He calls on the Israeli government to immediately end the aid blockade — which Israel says is needed to pressure Hamas to release the hostages it is holding, and to prevent Hamas from stealing the aid — and ensure safe, swift and unhindered access to humanitarian aid.
Israel launched an intensified offensive in Gaza on Saturday aimed at the defeat of Hamas, with rescuers in the Hamas-run territory reporting at least 32 killed by new Israeli strikes against the terror group.
“What is happening in Gaza is a humanitarian tragedy. A whole people are subjected to overwhelming and disproportionate military force,” Costa says.
He adds that a lasting ceasefire and the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas are more urgent than ever.
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