GENEVA

The EU on Sunday joined calls for "immediate pauses" in hostilities and establishment of humanitarian corridors in Gaza.

"The EU is gravely concerned about the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza," the bloc said in a statement, adding it "joins calls for immediate pauses in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors, including through increased capacity at border crossings and through a dedicated maritime route, so that humanitarian aid can safely reach the population of Gaza."

It called for "continued, rapid, safe and unhindered" humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need through any necessary means.


It also reiterated its call on Hamas for the "immediate and unconditional" release of all hostages.

Regarding the attacks against hospitals in Gaza, the statement said: "The EU emphasizes that international humanitarian law stipulates that hospitals, medical supplies and civilians inside hospitals must be protected."

It also said that most urgent medical supplies should be delivered to hospitals and that patients who require urgent medical care need to be evacuated safely.

"In this context, we urge Israel to exercise maximum restraint to ensure the protection of civilians," the bloc said.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip -- including hospitals, residences, and houses of worship -- since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas on Oct. 7.

The number of deaths in the ongoing Israeli military attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 has surpassed the grim figure of 11,100, including more than 8,000 children and women, the government media office in Gaza said on Sunday.

The Israeli death toll is nearly 1,200, according to official figures.