BRUSSELS, EU staff working around the world have criticised European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's position of 'unconditional support' to Israel, Brussels-based publication Euractiv reported.

"Notably, we are concerned about the unconditional support by the European Commission you represent, for one of the two parties", they stated in a three-page letter, which was sent to von der Leyen's office on Friday.

"We, a group of EU Commission and other EU institutions' staff solemnly condemn on personal grounds the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas against helpless civilians. We equally strongly condemn the disproportionate reaction by the Israeli government against the 2.3 million Palestinian civilians trapped in the Gaza Strip", they added.

"Precisely because of these atrocities, we are surprised by the stance the European Commission has taken - and even other EU institutions - promoting what has been described in the press as European cacophony," the letter reads.

They said that they are concerned about "the seeming indifference demonstrated over the past few days by our institution toward the ongoing massacre of civilians in the Gaza Strip, in disregard for human rights and international humanitarian law".

"We urge you to call, together with the leaders of the whole Union, for a ceasefire and for the protection of civilian life. This is at the core of the EU existence," the signatories added, warning " The EU risks losing all credibility." The letter was sent to EU delegations around the world, including the European Commission's representation offices.

Around 32,000 people are on the EU staff payroll, close to 850 staff are believed to have already signed the letter, noted Euractiv. (end) nk.seo

Source: Kuwait News Agency