03/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a statement issued on 3 March 2008, the Slovenian Presidency of the EU explains that it is following 'with grave concern the further escalation of violence in Southern Israel and the Gaza Strip… The Presidency condemns the recent disproportionate use of force by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) against the Palestinian population in Gaza, and urges Israel to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from all activities that endanger civilians.' 'The Presidency rejects collective punishment of the people of Gaza' and 'at the same time reiterates condemnation of continued firing of rockets into Israeli territory and calls for its immediate end.' 'The peace process should not be interrupted. Actions that undermine this process should be stopped immediately. Cessation of violence is one of the key elements in achieving the commitments made in Annapolis.' Israel's offensive has killed more than a hundred Palestinians and resulted in the Palestinian Authority severing contact and ending the peace talks with Israel. EU High Representative for the CFSP Javier Solana will travel to the Palestinian Territories on Tuesday 4 March to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad before travelling on to Lebanon. (A.B.)