EU condemns shelling of UN school, Shejaiya market

The European Union condemns Israel’s shelling Wednesday of an United Nations-operated school in Gaza and of a market in the Gaza City neighborhood of Shejaiya.

“It is unacceptable that innocent displaced civilians, who were taking shelter in designated UN areas after being called on by the Israeli military to evacuate their homes, have been killed,” the EU says in a statement. These incidents must be immediately investigated, the EU demands.

On Wednesday Israeli soldiers fired several tank shells at a UNRWA school used as a shelter for refugees in response to mortar shells fired by Gazan operatives from there. At least 15 people were killed and 90 were wounded, according to Palestinian health officials. Later on Wednesday, 17 people were killed and more than 200 were wounded when Israel fired on a packed market in Shejaiya, Palestinian health officials said.

“We are deeply concerned at the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterate that all sides must meet their obligations and immediately allow safe and full humanitarian access for the urgent distribution of assistance,” the EU statement reads. “The humanitarian imperative must be respected and the civilian population protected in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. The dignity and rights of all those in need of humanitarian assistance must be respected and protected.”