On Sunday 1 April, Israel's Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman rejected the call of High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres to conduct an independent investigation into the violence at the border between Gaza and Israel on Friday 30 March.
At least 18 Palestinians were killed and hundreds of people were wounded by live ammunition from Israeli security forces during clashes and demonstrations inside Gaza near the border with Israel. Tens of thousands demonstrated along the 65 km of border fence to demand the right for Palestinian refugees to enter Israel.
When asked by EUROPE about the Israeli decision not to investigate into these events, the Commission said on Tuesday 3 April that it had nothing to add to Mogherini's press release.
On Saturday 31 March, Mogherini said that "the use of live ammunition should (...) be part of an independent and transparent investigation". "While Israel has the right to protect its borders, the use of force must be proportionate at all times", she added. According to Mogherini, "an immediate return to calm is essential. All those concerned need to exercise restraint and avoid further violent escalation and any acts that could put civilians in danger". She reiterated that freedom of expression and freedom of assembly were fundamental rights to be respected.
These events "highlight that the lack of process is not an option", Mogherini stated. She added that a political solution for Gaza and an urgent resumption of peace talks towards a two state solution are "the only way for Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace and security".
Mogherini reiterated the EU's calls for an end to the closure of Gaza and a full opening of the crossing points, while addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns. "The EU further urges the Palestinian sides to increase their efforts to enable the Palestinian Authority to exert its full control over Gaza", she added. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)