The situation in Gaza is “catastrophic, apocalyptic”, with destruction proportionally “even greater” than that which Germany experienced in World War II, the EU"s top diplomat Josep Borrell said.

“Israel’s war on the Palestinian enclave has resulted in “an incredible number of civilian casualties. The EU is also alarmed by the violence in the West Bank by extremist settlers, condemned the Israeli government’s decision to approve 1,700 more housing units in Jerusalem, in what we consider a violation of international law.

The human suffering constitutes an unprecedented challenge to the international community. Civilian casualties are between 60 and 70% of the overall deaths, based on Gaza health ministry figures, and 85% of the population is internally displaced.

The destruction of buildings in Gaza... is more or less or even greater than the destruction suffered by the German cities during the Second World War, taken proportionally”, - he said after chairing a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Israel’s relentless military offensive has reduced much of Gaza to rubble and killed over 18,000 people, mostly women and children.