Gaza Flotilla: EU Joins World Criticism Of Israel …
- June 1st, 2010
- Posted by EUEditor
The European Union has demanded that Israel open border crossings to allow humanitarian aid through to the Palestinian Gaza territory, following its seizure of the Gaza flotilla on Monday.
The EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, said in Warsaw (31.5.10) she had spoken with Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman to express deepest concern about the commando action in which at least nine people were killed and several others hurt.
The EU wanted an immediate inquiry by Israel into the circumstances.
“We will continue to coordinate with member states throughout today, and of course, I express my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives”, she said.
The convoy of six ships was trying to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, proclaiming that it was carrying medical and other aid — urgently needed since Israel tightened border controls in 2007, following the seizure of power there by the Hamas organisation.
It says the blockade has been necessary because of terror attacks on its territory.
The Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd (1.6.10), followed the EU, and an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, in calling for an independent inquiry into Israel’s action.
Reference
European Union, Brussels, Reaction of High Representative Catherine Ashton on Israeli’s military operation against Gaza flotilla, A 96/10, 31.5.10.
European Commission, Eternal Relations, Brussels, The EU and the Middle East Peace Process, backgrounders.
http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/mepp/index_en.htm, (1.6.10).