European Union ‘Warmly’ Welcomes Cease Fire Deal

The European Union “warmly” welcomed the announcement of the 72 hour humanitarian cease fire in Gaza,” according to a statement issued Tuesday from the office of the High Representative.

The statement called on “all parties to respect its terms,” adding, “There must be an immediate end to the loss of civilian lives. The firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip must stop. We commend all efforts, particularly those of Egypt, to broker this deal and hope that this can be extended into a lasting cease fire.

“We call on the parties not to miss this opportunity.

“We reiterate that the European Union stands ready to contribute to a comprehensive and sustainable solution meeting the legitimate security, humanitarian and socioeconomic needs of the Israeli and Palestinian people,” the statement concluded.