EUHR Solana deplores the Israeli military operation at Beit Hanoun

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), today deplored last night's military operation in Beit Hanoun, in the Gaza Strip, which has added 18 deaths to the high number of recent casualties;

"I deplore the Israeli military operation carried out last night in Beit Hanoun, which has resulted in the deaths of 18 people, mostly civilians. My thoughts go out to the families of the victims. I extend my condolences to President Abbas. It is high time to break the cycle of violence that I condemn in the strongest terms.

These military operations must be halted. We must give a chance to the process of reconciliation between Palestinians. President Abbas must be fully supported in his efforts to form a new government.

The European Union hopes that the political forces engaged in the formation of a new Palestinian government will be able to resume their dialogue and succeed in their efforts to achieve reconciliation. I reiterate my sincere appreciation of President Abbas's efforts to find a peaceful solution."

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• EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner on killing of Palestinian civilians  (8/11/2006)
• EU Presidency Statement - Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (7/11/2006)
• EU Presidency Statement - UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East  (31/10/2006)