Antonio Costa: ‘I am shocked by the Israeli offensive in Gaza’

European Council President Antonio Costa said on Saturday that he was « shocked » by the situation in Gaza, the target of an extended Israeli offensive and called Israel to end violence.

« I am shocked by the news from Gaza: civilians are starving, hospitals are disgusted again in air attacks. Violence must stop! » Costa wrote on Xu. « The Israeli government must immediately interrupt the blockade and guarantee a safe, fast and smooth approach to humanitarian aid, » he added.

On Saturday, Israel announced that he was expanding his offensive to defeat Hamas in Gaza’s belt despite the increasingly stronger international calls to silence the weapon after 19 months of devastating war.

« A humanitarian tragedy takes place in Gaza. The whole people are under pressure from a huge and disproportionate military force, » said the President of the European Council.

« I think a lasting cessation of fire, as well as the current and unconditional release of all hostages more urgent than ever ever, » he wrote.

From Baghdad, where he participates in the work of the Arab League Summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was « upset » because of « Israeli plans for expansion of land operations » and re-invited the « permanent truce » and to interrupt the Israeli Blockade of the Humanitarian Aid Gazi, which has been around since March 2.