EU nations condemn Hamas for what they describe as use of hospitals, civilians as ‘human shields’

By RAF CASERT
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — The 27 European Union nations have jointly condemned Hamas for what they described as the use of hospitals and civilians as “human shields” in the war against Israel. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said Monday that at the same time the bloc asked Israel “for maximum restraint in targeting in order to avoid human casualties.” At a meeting of the bloc’s foreign affairs ministers, Borrell brandished a statement he issued on behalf of the 27 nations as a show of unity following weeks of often contrasting statements on how the group should address the Israel-Hamas war. Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by the EU, accused Borrell of distorting facts.