(VOVWORLD) - The European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said on Monday that the EU supports the Gaza reconstruction plan approved by an emergency Arab summit in Cairo earlier this month.
 EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (Illustrative photo: Parlement européen) |
During a press conference after her meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Kallas said the EU will have a role in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
The EU believes that the Palestinian Authority should govern Gaza, and will assist the Palestinian government in assume its duties in the Strip, Kallas said.
She said: "What we are witnessing now is a dangerous escalation. It is causing unbearable uncertainty for the hostages and their families and is likewise causing horror and death for the Palestinian people. "
She asked Hamas to release all hostages and Israel to restore full humanitarian aid to Gaza, saying both sides must resume negotiations.
Prime Minister Mustafa condemned Israel's renewed attacks on Gaza, accusing it of violating international law and Palestinian rights. He urged the international community to pressure Israel to halt its offensive and to hold it accountable. He called for EU support in the Gaza reconstruction efforts.
On the same day, Kallas met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who stressed the urgent need to open border crossings for humanitarian aid and reiterated his call for Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza.