2024-03-01 12:56:50
The heads of the Commission and the European Council called for an investigation into the killing of dozens of Palestinian civilians during a food distribution operation in Gaza. The Hamas Health Ministry yesterday reported a hundred dead after Israeli soldiers shot at Palestinians running towards aid trucks. The Israeli army denied responsibility for the high death toll and referred to deaths caused by people trampled by the crew.
First modification: 03/01/2024 – 13:56
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Israeli sources confirmed to AFP that Israeli soldiers, feeling “threatened”, fired live ammunition at Palestinians during a humanitarian aid distribution that turned chaotic. However,
“International law does not allow double standards. An independent investigation must be launched immediately and those responsible must be held accountable,” said European Council President Charles Michel.
“I am shocked and disgusted by the massacre of innocent civilians in Gaza yesterday while they were desperately waiting for humanitarian aid,” the Belgian official also noted on the social network X.
For her part, the president of the European Commission – the executive arm of the EU – Ursula von der Leyen, mentioned in X the need for an investigation.
“I am deeply disturbed by the images from Gaza. Everything possible must be done to investigate what happened and ensure transparency,” she said.
According to Von der Leyen, “humanitarian aid is a lifeline for those who need it and access to it must be guaranteed. We support civilians and urge their protection in accordance with international law.”
In turn, the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, stated that he was “horrified by reports of new carnage of civilians in Gaza who were desperately seeking humanitarian aid.”
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