May 06, Kathmandu- The European Union (EU) has called on Israeli authorities to exercise maximum restraint, urging immediate humanitarian access to Gaza after Israel announced a planned military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

“The European Union is concerned by the planned escalation of the operation by the Israeli military in Gaza, which will result in further casualties and suffering for the Palestinian population. We call on Israel to exercise maximum restraint”, European Commission spokesman Anouar El Azzouzi told a press conference.

The Israeli Security Council approved plans to expand its military offensive in the Gaza Strip on Sunday night.

The EU is calling for immediate humanitarian access and the delivery of aid, as well as the restoration of electricity and essential services in Gaza.