BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- European Union heads of mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah visited Gaza on Wednesday and called on Israel to open crossings for goods and people.

The group of more than 20 officials visited Kerem Shalom and a housing project for Palestine refugees close to Rafah and met with representatives of Palestinian civil society as well as with international organizations.

"The EU is committed to facilitating the social and economic development of the Gaza Strip and encourages efforts at reconciliation as an important element for the viability of the future Palestinian state and for the two-state solution," a statement from the heads of mission said.

"The EU continues to call for the immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from the Gaza Strip."