EU urges Israel to protect civilian lives after airstrikes on Gaza

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) – The EU urged Israel on Tuesday to protect civilian lives “under all circumstances” and respect humanitarian law after the army launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

“The European Union is gravely concerned by the escalation in Gaza following today's Israeli air raids,” Peter Stano, the lead spokesperson of the EU diplomatic service, said in a statement.

He expressed regret over the “loss of civilian lives, including children.”

“Civilian lives must be protected under all circumstances,” Stano stressed, reminding Israel of the “respect of international humanitarian law.”

The EU urges “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, promote calm and work towards a political horizon and regional stability,” he added.

At least 13 people, including four children and four women, were killed, and 20 others injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip early Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Several countries and regional bodies have condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, such as Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the Arab League.

At least 123 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the start of this year, according to Palestinian figures. Nineteen Israelis have also been killed in separate attacks during the same period.