EU commissioner calls on Israel to reopen Gaza crossings

By JPOST.COM STAFF
European Union Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner on Friday called on Israel to reopen the Gaza crossings for fuel and other essentials. "I am profoundly concerned about the consequences for the Gazan population of the complete closure of all Gaza crossings for deliveries of fuel and basic humanitarian assistance," he said in a statement. "I call on Israel to reopen the crossings for humanitarian and commercial flows, in particular food and medicines. Facilitation of fuel deliveries for the Gaza Power Plant should be resumed immediately." Ferrero-Waldner emphasized that international law required the provision of essential services such as electricity and clean water to the civilian population. "Recent infringements of the calm agreed in June must not lead to a renewed cycle of violence. I call on all parties to exercise restraint," he continued.