EU commits to anti-smuggling efforts

SHARM AL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- European leaders say they will work to prevent arms smuggling to Palestinian militants operating inside the Gaza Strip.

Meeting Sunday at the Egyptian resort city of Sharm al-Sheikh, the European Union leaders' commitment answers a key Israeli condition for lifting blockades of Gaza, the EU Observer reported. Specifically, the EU's "Big Three" of France, Germany and Britain offered troops and technological assistance in cooperation with the United States and Egypt to clamp down on Gaza arms smuggling, perhaps through an international naval force.

In return, the EU leaders called on Israel to lift the Gaza blockades, which they say are causing a humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.

"Israel should state immediately and clearly that if rocket fire will stop, the Israeli army will leave Gaza. There is no other solution to achieve peace," the Observer reported French President Nicolas Sarkozy saying at the summit.

The EU leaders were taking advantage of a one-week truce called by Hamas militants, allowing the entry of humanitarian aid, announcing an additional $29 million in such aid, the Observer said.