By Selen Valente Rasquinho
BRUSSELS (AA) - Nearly 850 employees stationed at EU missions worldwide have voiced criticism of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's perceived pro-Israel stance during the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip, according to a Belgium website.
EU delegates and officials signed a letter strongly condemning the Israeli government's actions for its disproportionate response to the plight of 2.3 million civilians trapped in Gaza.
The Brussels-based Euractiv website said the criticism stems from concerns raised by EU employees regarding what they see as the EU Commission's indifference toward escalating civilian casualties in Gaza.
The letter addressed to von der Leyen's office urges her to take a more proactive role in advocating for a cease-fire and protection of civilian lives, rather than offering unconditional support to Israel.
The timing of von der Leyen's Oct. 13 visit to Israel, while attacks on civilians continued unabated in Gaza, has raised eyebrows for the signatories of the letter.
The letter included a warning that "the EU is at risk of losing all its credibility."
Von der Leyen's failure to address the situation and urge a cessation of attacks on civilians and infrastructure during discussions with Israeli officials and in her subsequent statements, had drawn attention.