EU commission rejects claims of double standart on Israeli attacks in Gaza

Rejecting claims that the European Union has taken a softer stand on Israel's airstrikes and ground operation in the Gaza Strip compared to its position on Turkey's cross-border operation into northern Iraq last year, EU Commission spokesman Amadeu Altafaj Tardio yesterday said that accusing the EU of a double standard by trying to link the two issues was wrong. "A strong and balanced statement was made during Turkey's operation," he said. "On Gaza, we made a statement urging the parties to ensure an immediate cease-fire, and called on Hamas to end its missile attacks, and Israel to halt its military operation."