European Council president ‘shocked’ at Israel’s Gaza offensive

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.