EU Foreign Ministers Meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian Crisis

EU foreign ministers hold video conference on rising violence in Israel and Gaza. Merkel reiterates Germany's support for Israel. Palestinians to hold general strike and march on Tuesday.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell confirmed that EU foreign ministers will hold an extraordinary video conference on Tuesday, May 18, in light of the escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinians.

At this conference, they will exchange views on how the European Union can respond to reduce violence in this crisis.

According to a report from the German section of the European Commission, Borrell has been in contact with high-ranking officials from both sides since the conflicts in Israel and the Gaza Strip.

He has held talks with, among others, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.

Borrell also exchanged views with representatives of important countries in the region, including Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The report of the German section of the European Union Commission states that the head of the Union's diplomatic service has condemned in all his contacts the use of rockets by Hamas and other Palestinian groups in attacking civilian targets in Israel.

He stressed that Israel has the right to protect its people from these types of attacks, but it must take proportionate measures and prevent civilian casualties.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned "Hamas' reckless attacks on Israeli territory" in a tweet.

He called on both sides to end the violence and protect civilians.

Merkel and Netanyahu call

In a telephone conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister, the German Chancellor strongly condemned the continued rocket attacks from Gaza.

German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said that Angela Merkel assured Benjamin Netanyahu that Germany supports Israel and stressed the country's right to defend itself against attacks.

Referring to the killing of civilians, the German Chancellor expressed hope that the conflict would end as soon as possible.

He also emphasized that he would prevent anti-Semitic movements in Germany.

Netanyahu's office announced that the Israeli prime minister thanked Merkel for her government's efforts against anti-Semitic forces in Germany.

National strike

According to the German news agency, Palestinians have called for a nationwide general strike on Tuesday, May 18. The news agency, citing local media, reported that the strike is being held to protest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, attacks on residents of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, and violence by Israeli settlers.

Earlier, the Islamic Republic's news agencies reported that the "Committee Responsible for Following Up on the Affairs of Arab Residents in the Occupied Territories" had decided to hold a nationwide strike at its meeting in the city of Jaffa.

Reports also indicate that the Fatah movement has called for a general strike in the West Bank and other Palestinian territories on Tuesday.

Protest marches are expected to be held in all major cities and checkpoints between Israel and the West Bank.

At least 200 Gaza residents, including 59 children, have been killed in recent days of fighting, as well as ten people in Israel, including one child.

Source: DW