The European Union on Wednesday urged the immediate and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.

"The EU urges Israel to facilitate the transfer of material and financial resources into Gaza for the implementation of the UN Pilot Projects. The EU calls for the full implementation of UNSCR 1860," said the EU Presidency Sweden in a statement.

The EU remains gravely concerned by the humanitarian situation in Gaza and urges that prompt and concrete measures be taken to solve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to allow for reconstruction and economic recovery, according to the statement.

The situation of civilians, half of which are children, has become worse, the poor water quality is particularly worrying. The essential reconstruction of homes, schools and health facilities to which the international community, including the European Union committed itself at the Donors Conference in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, is still prevented, the statement noted.

"Fully recognizing Israel's legitimate security needs, the European Union continues to call for a complete stop to all violence, including a sustained halt of rocket attacks at Israel and the abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shait should be released without delay," the statement said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2009)