Israel's Gaza shelling "profoundly shocking" - EU

BRUSSELS, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Israel drew fire from the European Union today for the deaths of 18 civilians in its shelling of a northern Gaza town, with the EU's external relations chief saying the attack was ''profoundly shocking''.

''The killing this morning of so many civilians in Gaza, including many children, is a profoundly shocking event. Israel has a right to defend itself, but not at the price of the lives of the innocent,'' Benita Ferrero-Waldner said in a statement.

The strike on the town of Beit Hanoun was the deadliest in four years. A military spokeswoman said Israeli forces had fired shells at north Gaza in response to rockets being launched at Israel.

Reuters SSC KP1712