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S&D vice-president, Elena Valenciano,
stated:
"We strongly condemn any violent action against
civilians, be it the result of indiscriminate firing of
rockets by Palestinian armed groups or a military
operation by the Israeli army.
"The recent hopes of easing the humanitarian crisis in
the Gaza Strip should not be replaced by renewed violence
due to Israeli military operations or violent action from
Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups that fired more
than 350 rockets into Israeli territory over the past
days. The ongoing escalation risks triggering a new war
in the Gaza Strip. This serves in the interests of no
one, neither Palestinians, nor Israelis, and must be
prevented at all cost.
"We call for an immediate de-escalation of the situation
and for tangible steps aimed at easing the tensions in
Gaza, including through the transfer of large-scale
humanitarian aid and assistance to the area without
further delay. Proper medical treatment and medicine for
people suffering from serious illnesses must be allowed.
Finally, the blockade of Gaza should be lifted without
delay, as it can only bring more suffering to
Palestinians and more rockets to Israel.
"We call on all parties to put an immediate end to the
firing of rockets or military actions that could put at
risk civilian lives. We urge the Palestinian Authority as
well as regional powers, such as Egypt and Jordan, to do
their utmost, together with the international community,
to avoid another war in Gaza."
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