Tue May 27 22:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**EU Chief Condemns Israeli Strikes on Gaza Civilian Facilities as “Abhorrent”**

**Brussels – May 28, 2025** – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has strongly denounced Israel’s recent strikes on civilian facilities in Gaza, including a school being used as a shelter, calling the attacks “abhorrent.” The condemnation came during a phone call with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Tuesday, May 27th.

According to reports, Israeli strikes on Monday resulted in at least 52 deaths, with 33 occurring at a school-turned-shelter for displaced Palestinians. These actions have triggered international condemnation amid Israel’s renewed offensive against Hamas.

“The expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza targeting civilian infrastructure, among them a school that served as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families, killing civilians, including children, is abhorrent,” stated von der Leyen, according to an EU readout of the call.

While reiterating the European Commission’s continued support for Israel’s right to security and self-defence, von der Leyen emphasized that “this escalation and disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law.” She further demanded the immediate restoration of aid delivery, in accordance with humanitarian principles, with the participation of the UN and other international humanitarian partners.

The EU has faced challenges in exerting influence on the conflict due to internal divisions regarding support for Israel versus Palestinian rights. However, momentum is building to increase pressure on Israel, particularly following the renewed Gaza offensive. Last week, the EU initiated a review of its association agreement with Israel, prompted by alleged human rights abuses in Gaza, a move backed by 17 of its 27 member states.

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