EU: Israeli military operation in Beit Hanoun unacceptable

The European Union today criticized the Israeli killings in Beit Hanoun as "unacceptable" and said it " strongly deplored "the military action in Gaza resulting in a growing number of civilian casualties, including women and children."

At least 18 Palestinians, mostly women and children, were massacred. The EU Foreign Ministers Council meeting in Brussels called on Israel to cease its military operations that endanger the Palestinian civilian population in the Palestinian Territory.

"The deterioration of the situation will only aggravate the already grave circumstances in the region," warned the ministers.

The Council decided to extend the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah crossing Point for a further six months. It also called on Israel to desist from any action that threatens the viability of an agreed two-state solution.

"Of particular concern are settlement activities in and around East Jerusalem as well as in the Jordan Valley. The European Union will not recognize any change to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by both parties." The Council remains deeply concerned at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, it added.

Meantime, Israeli bulldozers razed today at dawn vast area of agricultural land in the West Bank (WB) city of Bethlehem, Rural Council member said.

Mustaffa Hindi, al-Joura Rural Council member said that Israeli bulldozers strted leveling the land of Khilit Abu Aqilah area in Wadi Rahhal village, south Bethlehem.

He added that Israeli authorities continue their plan to seize more Arable land in an attempt to go on constructing the Apartheid Wall, which blocks the access of farmers to reach their lands.