EU reacts to deaths of women and children in Gaza

In a written statement issued on behalf of the EU by the office of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, it was emphasized that the start of the humanitarian pause, which provides for the exchange of hostages between Israel and Hamas, is welcomed.

"This plan must be fully implemented and extended for a longer period as a first step towards ending the ongoing horrific humanitarian situation in Gaza," the statement said, adding the following:

"Following Israel's military operation in Gaza, more than one million people have fled their homes with nowhere to go. At the same time, the unchecked increase in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is unacceptable."

The statement recalled that the EU has supported Israel's right to defend itself in compliance with international humanitarian law from the very beginning, and shared the view that "the EU regrets the deaths of a large number of civilians, especially thousands of children and women."

Emphasizing that the protection of civilians, unhindered access to basic services, and respect for areas that must be protected, such as hospitals and schools, are legal obligations, the statement noted, "One horror cannot justify another. The current trajectory must be reversed for the good of both peoples."

The statement further recorded the following:

"The only path to sustainable peace, security, and prosperity for the EU, Israel, and Palestine is a two-state solution. It is the duty of the international community to act seriously to make this possible."