The European Union on Thursday reiterated it stands in solidarity with Israel, while again calling for the right of Gaza to “access food, water and medicines, according to international humanitarian law."
"It is very important that one cannot forget that Israel has the right to defend itself. But of course, it needs to do it in line with international law, including international humanitarian law," EU Commission spokesperson Peter Stano said Thursday during a news briefing. "This is very clear position of the European Union that is being repeated, both publicly and in our interactions with partners in the region and on the ground."
The bloc is working with international partners to make sure that the hostages are released as soon as possible, Stano said, noting that the taking of hostages, "and the way in which Hamas did it, is ... not only against international norm, but against any civilized norm."
The EU also called for an end to the violence. "Unspeakable atrocities" had been committed against Israelis, Stano said, adding, "What we are witnessing in Gaza is a direct consequence of what Hamas started on Saturday," CNN reports.
