EU calls on Hamas to declare ceasefire

"The Union calls on Hamas and other groups to declare immediately a ceasefire and to halt all terrorist activity," said the text, which is to be presented to EU leaders at their meeting in a Greek beach resort later Friday.

"It is essential that all concerned, in particular the countries of the region, condemn terrorism and assist in efforts to eradicate it," it said.

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The militant Islamic group Hamas, behind scores of anti-Israeli attacks, said Thursday it was mulling over proposals for a ceasefire, but Israel says Palestinian groups would only use any temporary truce to regroup and rearm.

The EU document urged Israel to "take action to restore trust and abstain from any punitive measures, including extra-judicial killings, and to act in accordance with international law."

Israeli forces recently carried out a series of attacks that killed some Hamas officials. Seven helicopter strikes in the Gaza Strip since June 10 have left 27 dead, including six women, two children, and other civilians.