18/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 17 April, the EU expressed its “deep concern” over the escalation of violence in Gaza and southern Israel. The day before, 18 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army during operations carried out after the death of three Israeli soldiers the same day near the Nahal Oz fuel terminal. The Slovenian EU Council Presidency strongly condemns this terrorist attack and calls on both sides to show restraint and to end all violence. Reiterating the need for a “peaceful and comprehensive resolution” to the situation in Gaza, the Presidency calls for an end to rocket attacks, and for controlled opening of the crossings to meet the humanitarian needs of the civilian population. (A.B.)