(Adds EU presidency statement) BRUSSELS, Dec 27 (Reuters) - The European Union called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Saturday and backed Egyptian efforts to restore a truce and end the "disproportionate use of force". "We are very concerned at the events in Gaza. We call for an immediate ceasefire and urge everybody to exert maximum restraint," a spokesman for European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said. "Everything must be done to renew the truce," he said. Israeli war planes and helicopters pounded the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip on Saturday, killing at least 195 people and prompting rocket fire from Palestinian militants that killed an Israeli, medics said. EU president France said it condemned the Israeli bombardments and the rocket attacks from Gaza and called for both to stop immediately. The presidency said in a statement it also deplores the many civilian casualties and "condemns the disproportionate use of force". "The presidency of the European Union notes there is no military solution to Gaza and calls for the introduction of a lasting truce," the presidency said. "It encourages the efforts of neighbouring countries, particularly those of Egypt, which could reach this goal." The EU presidency also called for an immediate reopening of border crossing points, resumption of deliveries of humanitarian aid and fuel, and unrestricted access for international organisations, diplomats and journalists. The EU's executive body, the European Commission, also called for "utmost restraint". EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said in a statement both sides must stop the escalation of violence which endangers the civilian population and called for an immediate return to the ceasefire. (Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by Sami Aboudi)
Palestinian women and children in Chatila refugee camp in Beirut shout slogans during a protest against Israel's attack on the Gaza strip which killed over 150 people December 27, 2008. REUTERS/ ...
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