The EU Presidency condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent seizure of power by illegal Hamas militia in the Gaza Strip. It condemns the killing of innocent civilians and members of the legal security forces. It is extremely concerned about the repercussions for the humanitarian situation and demands that all sides facilitate supplies to the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip.
The EU Presidency emphatically supports President Abbas' decision, in keeping with the Palestinian Basic Law, to dismiss the government and to appoint a caretaker government for the Palestinian territories.
The EU Presidency calls upon all sides to accept the decisions made by President Abbas and to do everything possible to help calm the situation in the Gaza Strip and prevent the spread of the violence to the West Bank.
The EU Presidency once again reiterates its complete support for President Abbas, who is our partner and whom we regard as a partner for the Israeli government. It calls upon all sides to support President Abbas.