EU calls on Israel to respect int'l humanitarian law during conflict

Israel needs to respect international humanitarian law when it comes to defending itself on the ground during the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has said, reported Xinhua.

"On the ground Israel has the right to defend (itself) -- certainly it has (the right), but it (the right) has to be implemented according to the principles of international humanitarian law," the EU top diplomat said during the EU-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Joint Council meeting held in Oman's capital Muscat on Tuesday.

Borrell called for "the release of hostages," and "access to food, water, medicines, which is also according to international humanitarian law," according to a press release from the EU diplomatic service.

Borrell also condemned the surprise attack launched on Saturday by Hamas, which has killed about 1,200 in Israel, according to Israel's state-owned Kan TV. In retaliation, Israel attacked the Gaza Strip and killed 900 people and injured 4,250, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

"We reiterated our commitment to a two-state solution, because it is the only solution. We don't know any other (way)," Borrell said, quoting from the Council's joint declaration.