The European Union and Germany condemned Palestinian Islamic Jihad for firing rockets at Israel and called for restraint from both sides.
The statements came as the Gaza-based terror group launched a fresh wave of rockets against southern Israel, drawing Israeli reprisals.
“Following with concern the situation in the South of [Israel] after PIJ in Gaza fired more than 40 rockets,” said Emanuele Giaufret, the EU’s ambassador to Israel.
“Indiscriminate firing of rockets on civilian population is totally unacceptable and must stop. Civilians to be protected on both sides,” Giaufret said.
German Ambassador to Israel Susanne Wasum-Rainerd similarly censured Islamic Jihad for the violence.
“We are very concerned about the latest escalation in Southern Israel and Gaza Strip. We condemn the rocket attacks by PIJ in the strongest possible terms, and call for the greatest possible restraint,” Wasum-Rainerd said. “Priority must be given to any efforts for de-escalation.”
The statements came as Islamic Jihad terrorists pounded Israel’s south, launching over a dozen rockets and drawing reprisal airstrikes in the Strip.
The attacks forced schools to close, keeping some 55,000 students at home, and shuttered roads, train lines and tourist sites.
