Statement by the Spokesperson on the recent escalation of events in and around Gaza
The escalation of military incidents in and around Gaza, in response to a bomb attack on Saturday that injured four Israeli soldiers, is of real concern. Rocket attacks by militants from Gaza against Israel are unacceptable and need to stop. The European Union acknowledges Israel’s legitimate security concerns.
It is extremely important that the situation does not escalate further and it is crucial that all parties act with restraint.
Latest events highlight the need for a political solution for Gaza, in the framework of the perspective of a two-state solution. All terrorist groups in Gaza must disarm. All Palestinian factions need to increase their efforts to enable the Palestinian Authority to exert its full control over Gaza, and need to counter the efforts of spoilers. Commending in particular continuing Egyptian efforts to facilitate the full implementation of the Cairo Agreement of October 2017, the European Union remains ready to support this process.
The death of two Palestinian teenagers is deplorable. We wish quick recovery to the injured Israeli soldiers and Palestinians injured in Khan Yunis.