EU urges Israel to reconsider cuts to Gaza energy supply

The European Union yesterday urged Israel to carefully reconsider how cutting energy supplies to the Gaza Strip will impact Palestinian civilians.

Israel began reducing fuel shipments to Gaza on Sunday, in response to ongoing rocket fire targeting sites in the western Negev. It had planned to periodically cut the coastal territory's electricity supply as well, but Attorney General Menachem Mazuz temporarily nixed the plan Monday.

"The EU notes with concern Israel's decision to reduce the supply of fuel to Gaza, an essential service to the civilian population," said a statement from the Portuguese government, which holds the EU's rotating presidency.

"While condemning the unacceptable and continued attacks on Israel's territory and recognizing Israel's legitimate right to self defense, the EU underlines the need for carefully weighing the negative impact of such measures on a civilian population already living under very difficult conditions," the statement added.

Although the EU refuses to work with Hamas, it maintains humanitarian support. "Mindful of the humanitarian and economic plight of the Palestinian people, the EU remains committed to continue its assistance and will do its utmost to ensure the provision of emergency and humanitarian assistance to the population of Gaza, whom it will not abandon," its statement said.