ANKARA

The European Union is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to contribute to defusing the ongoing violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, the bloc's foreign policy chief said Saturday.

Joseph Borell's office said in a statement that he has been continuing his outreach to support efforts to de-escalate the extremely worrying situation in the region, especially in and around Gaza.

It also stressed that Borell exchanged views with key regional players, including Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

“In all his contacts, High Representative Borrell condemned Hamas' and other groups' indiscriminate firing of rockets against civilian targets in Israel,” it added.

Borrell has consistently underlined the need to immediately end the grave escalation of violence, prevent its further spillover and ensure that civilians on all sides are protected, it said.

Calling for full respect for international humanitarian law and for full humanitarian access to be granted to those most in need in Gaza, it recalled the EU's long-standing position on the need to cease settlement activities, demolitions and evictions, including in East Jerusalem.

Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip in airstrikes since May 10, killing at least 139 people, including 39 children and 22 women, and injuring 950 more people.

At least five multi-story buildings have also been destroyed in the air raids on the besieged Palestinian territory.