Arab ambassadors in Brussels demand EU take action against Israel

By Selen Valente Rasquinho

BRUSSELS (AA) - Arab ambassadors to the EU demanded Thursday that the bloc stop Israel's aggression in Gaza and violations of international law.

Palestinian Ambassador Abdalrahim Alfarra pointed out in a news conference in Brussels that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pursued an "extremist" policy since he began leading the country and cited the situation in Gaza during the 17-year blockade.

Alfarra, speaking on behalf of other Arab ambassadors, said Israel is taking action in front of the eyes of the international community "to wipe Palestine off the map."

He demanded that the EU and member states stop the "massacre of civilians" in Gaza and take action against Israel's violations of international law.

He emphasized that it is documented that Israel has used white phosphorus bombs in Gaza and it carried out heavy attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as a hospital attack in the north on Tuesday.

Separately, Palestinian Ambassador to Rome Abeer Odeh urged the Italian government and the international community to stop the "massacre" of Palestinians and work toward ending the ongoing siege of Gaza.

*Baris Seckin from Rome contributed to the story