Statement of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament on the escalation of violence between terror groups in Gaza and the State of Israel

“It is with deep concern that we take note of the escalation of violence in Israel. We strongly condemn the instigation of violence by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, two EU listed terror organisations, over the last week at the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif and, since yesterday, the firing of rockets targeting innocent Israeli civilians. Israel has the full and legitimate right to defend itself against terrorism of any form. The rocket attacks and terror activities must end. We mourn the loss of innocent lives on both sides and wish a swift recovery to those injured.”