EU Council condemns rockets, calls for end of Gaza blockade

By ITAMAR SHARON
The EU Council on Monday condemned continued rocket attacks on Sderot but urged Israel to cease acts of violence and ease the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. "The Council expresses its sympathy for the civilian populations affected by the violence in Gaza and in Southern Israel. It condemns the continued firing of rockets into Israeli territory…while recognizing Israel's legitimate right to self-defense, the Council calls for an immediate end to all acts of violence," an official statement said. "[The Council] reiterates its grave concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and calls for the continuous provision of essential goods and services, including fuel and power supplies," it added.