ATHENS, April 7: The European Union’s Greek presidency on Monday condemned an incursion by Israeli troops into a Palestinian refugee camp last week, saying Israel could only ensure the safety of its citizens by accepting a political solution to its conflict with the Palestinians.

“The presidency of the EU is particularly concerned by the Israeli operations in Tulkarem,” Greece said in a statement.

“We fear this kind of unacceptable action, which imposes a curfew on the population of a whole town and even involves occupying schools ... takes the form of collective punishment that will fuel hatred and violence,” it continued.

Last Wednesday, an Israeli armoured column backed up by two helicopters entered the Tulkarem refugee camp in the West Bank to arrest suspected Palestinian activists.—AFP