EU voices concern over escalation of violence in Palestine, Lebanon

GENEVA (AA) – The EU has expressed “deep” concern about the grave escalation of violence recently by Israel targeting the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon.

It has also condemned the rocket fire attacks in Israel which happened in retaliation to the storming of Al Aqsa mosque as unarmed worshippers were engaged in prayer in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

“Last night again, deadly terrorist attacks have occurred in Tel Aviv, one of them killing an Italian tourist. The EU expresses its total condemnation of these acts of violence,” the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement on Saturday.

“This must cease,” he urged.

The attack condemned by the EU followed days of unprovoked attacks by Israeli police at the flashpoint site of Al Aqsa compound. “The EU condemns the violent incidents which have happened in the Holy Sites and reminds that the status quo of all the Holy Sites must be preserved,” Borrell said.

He also condemned the “indiscriminate” rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza and Lebanon which killed two Israelis and left one seriously injured.

“Israel has the right to defend itself. At the same time, any response must be proportionate,” he added.

Borrell said the EU urges all parties to “exercise maximum restraint, to avoid further escalation and promote calm for the ongoing religious holidays.”

Israeli police said on Wednesday that it detained 350 Palestinians from the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in East Jerusalem, with witnesses saying they used excessive force, including tear gas.

A day after, the Israeli army alleged at least 30 rockets were fired from southern Lebanon toward Israel. However, most of these were intercepted by the Israeli air defense system.

Israel held Hamas responsible for the rocket attacks, saying they were carried out by Hamas elements stationed in Lebanon.