- BRUSSELS (AP) -- The European
Union's head office leveled harsh criticism against Israel on Wednesday
while announcing $1.6 million to aid thousands of Palestinians whose homes
were demolished during Israel Defense Forces incursions in the Gaza Strip
last spring.
-
- "These funds do not absolve the occupying power
of its responsibilities to uphold international humanitarian law,"
said Poul Nielson, EU commissioner for humanitarian aid, in a statement.
-
- Citing EU and UN declarations, he added: "House
demolitions are disproportionate acts that contravene international humanitarian
law ... and show a reckless disregard for the lives of civilians."
-
- The grant is the second this year from the European Commission
to aid victims of home demolitions in the Gaza Strip, following $1.2 million
allocated last March.
-
- The money will go through a UN agency to help provide
temporary lodging for some 3,800 people whose homes were destroyed or damaged
during the incursions in May and June in the Rafah refugee camp, on the
border with Egypt.
-
- The IDF entered the area to search for weapons smuggling
tunnels after seven Israeli soldiers were killed in the area. Three tunnels
were uncovered.
-
- Palestinians said 45 Palestinians were killed in the
operation. The United Nations said 360 families were left homeless. The
Israeli army said some houses that had been used in attacks against soldiers
were destroyed, but did not give a number.
-
- The EU money also will go to replace lost household items
and repair shelters and infrastructure, including water and sewage systems
and two schools, the commission said.
-
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