European governments must intervene and de-escalate the violence in Gaza and demand a ceasefire immediately. We need to prevent the further loss of innocent civilian life. 

The Israeli government is collectively punishing the population of Gaza for the actions of Hamas. But Gaza is not Hamas. Collective punishment is a war crime and breaches international humanitarian law. 

Half of Gaza's 2 million population are children. People in Gaza are without water and food, and electricity, which means hospitals can no longer operate despite mounting deaths and injuries. We need to stop this now. Otherwise, additional thousands will lose their lives. 

It is absolutely urgent European leaders demand a de-escalation and call for a ceasefire, and demand humanitarian assistance be allowed into the Gaza Strip. We need to act now. Every hour makes a difference for the lives of the civilians in Gaza. 

We do not condone the actions of Hamas. The taking of Israeli lives was shocking and appalling. Every life is precious. Violence is never justified.