The European Union's (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaia Kallas, stated this evening upon her arrival in Israel that the suffering must end in the Gaza Strip.
Kaia Kalas said she would seek an "immediate return" to the ceasefire agreement to stop the "destruction of the Gaza Strip."
"The Israeli military offensive has caused terrible loss of life. As long as this war continues, both sides will lose. Israel has the right to defend itself, but it must respect civilian lives and humanitarian law. Threats to annex parts of the Gaza Strip are unacceptable," she added.
The EU High Representative said that she would emphasize the need for urgent negotiations in talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials.
"All hostages must be released immediately. The suffering must end. The destruction of Gaza only fuels radicalization," she added.
The EU High Representative will meet in Israel tomorrow with President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and opposition leader Yair Lapid.
On the Palestinian side, Kaja Kalas will hold talks with President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa.
Relations with Israel have deeply divided EU countries since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip. Some emphasize Israel's right to defend itself, while others insist on a cessation of hostilities and the right of Palestinians to statehood.
The Israeli army today launched an offensive in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, while simultaneously continuing operations in the north, five days after breaking a ceasefire with the Palestinian movement Hamas.
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