17/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - Israel urged to show restraint in its response to Hamas rocket fire. On Wednesday 16 July, the European Council condemned the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel, but called on Israel to be proportionate in its response. The EU leaders say in their conclusions that “Israel has the right to protect its population from this kind of attacks. In doing so, it must act proportionately and ensure the protection of civilians at all times”. They called on the two sides to “de-escalate” the situation, to end the violence, to end the suffering of the civilian populations notably by allowing access to humanitarian assistance, and return to calm. They also called on Hamas to agree to the ceasefire proposed by Egypt and initially observed by Israel. On Wednesday, Israel announced a five-hour “humanitarian” suspension of hostilities, as Hamas fired dozens of rockets into Israel. (LC)