EU ASKS ISRAEL TO EXPLAIN SEIZURE OF PALESTINIAN AID

Ramallah, 17 Dzulqa’idah 1434/23 September 2013 (MINA) – Israel has been asked by top European Union officials to explain why its soldiers seized a truckload of humanitarian aid intended for Palestinians.

On Friday, Israeli soldiers manhandled European diplomats and seized emergency aid that was intended to be delivered to Palestinians whose homes were demolished this week, Saudi Gazette quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

EU officials said they deplored the confiscation of the aid.

Michael Mann, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton’s spokesman said Saturday, Brussels has demanded an explanation from Israel following the confiscation of humanitarian aid meant for Palestinians in the West Bank.

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“The EU deplores the confiscation of humanitarian aid yesterday by Israeli security forces,” Michael Mann said in a statement.

“Representatives of the EU have already contacted the Israeli authorities to demand an explanation and express their concern over the incident.

“The EU underlines the importance of unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance and the applicability of international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory,” the statement concluded.

Israeli soldiers were seen by a Reuters reporter throwing sound grenades at a group of diplomats, aid workers and locals in the occupied West Bank.

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A French diplomat was seen being “yanked” out of the truck by soldiers before they drove it away.

Relations between Israel and the EU have been tense over the EU’s decision in July to bar financial assistance to Israeli organizations operating in the occupied territories from next year. The UN humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, James Rawley, expressed “deep concern” after the incident on Friday. (T/P09/E1).

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).