Statement by the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on the Need to Extend the Truce in Gaza
- On: 18.12.2008
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is deeply concerned by the resumption of violence in the Gaza strip and calls for the immediate cessation of rocket fire that has increased in the past few days as well as Israeli incursions.
The European Union recalls that there is no military solution to the conflict in Gaza. The Presidency requests that the truce be extended and hails the Egyptian efforts in this respect. It notes with deep concern the declarations by Hamas on the non-renewal of the truce.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which reaffirms its commitment to full compliance with international humanitarian law in all circumstances, urges the re-opening of border crossings and the immediate resumption of deliveries of humanitarian goods and fuel and the free access of international and humanitarian organisations, diplomats and journalists.
- Updated: 20.12.2008
