EU says deeply concerned about Gaza situation

HELSINKI, July 9 (Reuters) The European Union said today it was gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged Israel to help in allowing aid to be delivered there.

''The presidency of the European Union expresses its grave concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip,'' said a statement from Finland, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency.

Israel said earlier today it would continue air and ground assaults in the Gaza Strip indefinitely to keep up pressure on militants to free an abducted soldier and halt cross-border rocket attacks.

The EU said it was very preoccupied by the implications of the Israeli military operation and called for Israel to open the Rafah and Karni border crossings to allow aid to be delivered.

''The presidency strongly urges Israel to facilitate and ensure transfer of assistance for humanitarian needs,'' it said.

Israeli forces launched their offensive after Palestinian gunmen abducted Corporal Gilad Shalit in a raid into Israel on June 25.

The EU has previously called for the unconditional release of the abducted soldier, an end to the firing of rockets on Israeli territory and the release of Palestinian legislators and ministers detained by Israel.

It also accused Israel on Friday of a disproportionate use of force against Palestinians in Gaza and of making the humanitarian crisis worse.

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