Brussels, 25/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 25 July, the European Union called for an “immediate and in-depth” investigation into the bombing of a United Nations school in Beit Hanoun, in northern Gaza, the previous day. Many Palestinians were taking refuge inside the school. Around 15 people were reported to have been killed and over 200 wounded by what was probably Israeli shell-fire. Stating that this is the fourth time that sites of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) have been targeted, Maja Kocijancic, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, called on all parties “to respect the inviolability and integrity of UNRWA”. Kocijancic stressed the importance of setting up humitarian corridors in Gaza in order to allow civilians who want leave to be able to do so.
Ashton's spokesperson also underlined that the EU was extremely concerned about the escalation of violence and the “deplorable” increase in civilian victims. “We reiterate our condemnation of these acts that have provoked civilian victims”, Kocijancic said. Over 820 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the Israeli offensive - including “over 190 children”, she stated. The EU has again called for a ceasefire. (CG)