EU’s Ashton expresses concern over latest violence near Gaza

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton Monday expressed concern by the escalation of violence between Gaza and Israel and called on both sides “to refrain from exacerbating the situation.” Violence broke out over the past two days on  the Gaza border with Israel leaving at least six Palestinians dead from Israeli gunfire and four Israeli soldiers wounded, some critical, from a missile fired by Gaza fighters. Ashton said that “further regrettable loss of life and injury must be avoided.” She expressed support for mediation efforts by Egypt, which was able to broker a ceasefire between the two sides. “There is no place for violence in the Middle East,” she said, stressing that “it is only through resumed negotiations that the legitimate aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis will be met, through a two-state solution.”