EU, U.S. Condemn Gaza Rocket Fire on Israel Amid International Mediation Efforts

The European Union is condemning the barrage of rocket attacks reaching deep into Israel after Israeli airstrikes targeted senior Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza and Syria.

The 28-nation bloc said in a statement that "the firing of rockets on civilian populations is totally unacceptable and must immediately stop."

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The rockets are a result of an Israeli strike early Tuesday that killed Baha Abu al-Ata and his wife and in eastern Gaza. Islamic Jihad vowed revenge for the attack.

The EU called for "a rapid and complete de-escalation" and stressed that it "is now necessary to safeguard the lives and security of Palestinian and Israeli civilians."

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– tweet

The U.S. fully supports our partner & ally Israel in their fight against terrorism and the terrorist group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

— Avi Berkowitz (@aviberkow45) November 12, 2019

President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East Avi Berkowitz took to Twitter to express his support for Israel and its "fight against terrorism and the terrorist group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)."

The international outcry comes as Egypt and other international officials are working to mediate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, the ruling faction in Gaza.