The EU expressed “serious concern” on Saturday about the impact of Israeli military operations on Palestinian militants on the northern north coast.
The EU statement said the 40-day offensive took place primarily in refugee communities, resulting in many deaths, the deaths of about 40,000 Palestinians leaving their homes and the “destroying vital civilian infrastructure.”
The EU calls on Israel to comply with international law by ensuring the protection of civilians during military operations and the safe return of displaced persons to their homes.
It said Israel must also take any action against Palestinian settler violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The EU also expressed concern about the growing number of West Bank Army checkpoints that restrict freedom of movement there and worsen the economic and humanitarian situation.
“As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, we call on all parties to exercise constraints to allow peaceful celebrations,” the EU Foreign Ministry statement said.
During the six-day war in 1967, Israel conquered the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as other territories. Today, of the 3 million Palestinians, about 700,000 Israeli settlers live there. Palestinians declare in their own state that the territory is its own capital.
During a week of attack on the occupied West Bank, Israeli troops crossed the Zhanning refugee camp as the Israeli troops carried out the largest ongoing military operations on the territory. Ilia Yefimovich/DPA
