The European Union (EU) said on Friday that it "expects Israel to reverse [the] decisions" to close Karm Abu Salem, a crossing between southern Gaza and Israel.

“The Israeli decision to close the Kerem Shalom [Karm Abu Salem] crossing point, except for humanitarian supplies, and to restrict the fishing zone for Palestinians risks further aggravating the already dire economic situation in Gaza,” the organisation warned in a statement.

The EU also said that it "fully joins and supports" ongoing efforts by the United Nations (UN) and other partners to "reduce tensions, upkeep intra-Palestinian reconciliation and improve the humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza. This must be the focus of all sides now.”