Statement commissioner Georgieva on situation in Gaza: "We must build on humanitarian pause to save lives"
European Commission
Statement
Brussels, 17 July 2014
Gaza: "We must build on humanitarian pause to save lives"
The European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Kristalina Georgieva, made the following statement:
"Yet again in the Middle East the flames of violence have taken innocent civilian lives. I welcome the humanitarian pause which came into effect between Israel and Gaza for a few hours today. But this is not enough: an immediate end to violence must be agreed in order to resume meaningful political negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
There must be safe and full humanitarian access inside Gaza to allow the distribution of assistance including medicine and medical treatment, water, food, and fuel. The safety of municipal workers must be guaranteed to allow the functioning of basic public services.
I strongly condemn the indiscriminate firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel. Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected. I urge both sides to respect International Humanitarian Law: they must at all times distinguish between civilians and combatants.
The Commission's ongoing assistance to Gaza is being redirected to respond to the most urgent needs, including food, shelter and health and the repair of water and sanitation infrastructure.
Once again it is the civilian population which is falling victim to the failure of politics. The price for so many people is too high to bear. It is time for leadership to serve the rights of all people to live in dignity and safety."
For more information
The European Commission's humanitarian aid and civil protection:
http://ec.europa.eu/echo/index_en.htm
Commissioner Georgieva's website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/georgieva/index_en.htm
Contacts :
David Sharrock (+32 2 296 89 09)
Irina Novakova (+32 2 295 75 17)
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