The European Union urged an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, and condemned “the disproportionate use of force.” In the past, the EU has condemned the continued rocket attacks against Israel.

"There is no military solution in Gaza," the EU statement, issued Saturday, urged a lasting ceasefire.
In addition, the EU urged the “reopening of all checkpoints and the immediate resumption of fuel and humanitarian aid deliveries.”

The EU’s foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, stated that Israel’s strikes “were inflicting an unacceptable toll on Palestinian civilians” and complicated “the search for a peaceful solution.”

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeirer condemned Hamas for its not renewing the ceasefire with Israel and urged the organization to “immediately and permanently stop the insufferable rocket attacks on Israel,” urging Israel to keep its military response “within proportion.”