European Nations Condemn Fatal Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza Strip, Demand Urgent Ceasefire
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Synopsis
On March 19, European nations condemned the deadly Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that resulted in significant casualties, calling for an immediate cessation of violence. The EU and several national leaders emphasized the need for humanitarian access and negotiations for a lasting peace.
Key Takeaways
- European nations condemned Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
- At least 413 Palestinians killed, 562 injured.
- The EU called for an end to military operations.
- Humanitarian aid access must be ensured.
- Leaders stressed the importance of negotiations for peace.
Valletta, March 19 (NationPress) European nations have unequivocally condemned the recent lethal Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and demanded an immediate halt to the violence.
The strikes, executed early Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of at least 413 Palestinians and left 562 others injured, as reported by health authorities in Gaza.
The European Union (EU) has urged Israel to cease its military operations and reiterated the urgent need for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas. This was articulated in a joint statement released on Tuesday by Kaja Kallas, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, along with commissioners Dubravka Suica and Hadja Lahbib, according to the Xinhua news agency.
The EU called for Israel to practice restraint and facilitate the unobstructed entry of humanitarian aid and electricity into Gaza. "We urge all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. The EU believes that resuming negotiations is the only viable path forward," the statement emphasized.
During an online press briefing, the French Foreign Ministry stated, "France calls for an immediate end to hostilities, which threaten efforts to secure the release of hostages and endanger the lives of civilians in Gaza."
The French government has urged all involved parties to uphold the truce and engage in discussions to ensure its longevity. Furthermore, France has called upon Israeli authorities to safeguard civilians and permit access to water, electricity, and humanitarian aid.
Prior to this week's European Council meeting in Brussels, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed serious concern regarding the renewed conflict in Gaza. She advocated for a swift ceasefire and urged all parties to focus on peace and humanitarian assistance.
"We are watching with significant concern the resurgence of fighting in Gaza," Meloni stated. "It undermines the peace goals we are striving for, including the liberation of all hostages, a definitive cessation of hostilities, and the re-establishment of humanitarian aid to Gaza."
Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela condemned the "barbaric attacks" on Gaza via a post on X. "On behalf of the Maltese government, I vehemently denounce these barbarous assaults. Malta's commitment to peace in Gaza, Ukraine, and beyond cannot be overstated."
Slovenia has also called on Israel to halt all military actions immediately. "All parties must return to negotiations aimed at achieving a sustainable peace and a two-state solution," the Foreign Ministry stated in a post on X. They urged Israel to "immediately cease all military operations and facilitate the return of all hostages," while also calling for the restoration of complete humanitarian access.
While addressing the media in New Delhi after his address at the Raisina Dialogue multilateral conference, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar voiced concerns over the recent developments in Gaza. He noted that the earlier ceasefire had proven to be fragile and emphasized the necessity of adhering to international law in resolving the conflict.
The airstrikes, which marked the end of nearly two months of ceasefire, occurred amid ongoing indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing a new truce that could encompass the release of hostages and a cessation of hostilities.
