BRUSSELS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) has suspended its humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip and urged all Palestinian parties to end violence, the European Commission (EC) announced here on Thursday.

    "We are alarmed by the ferocity of the recent clashes in Gaza," EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said in a written statement.

    "The sharp deterioration of the living conditions in Gaza, combined with the lack of a political or economic perspective, has contributed to a widespread feeling of despair," she said.

    "That is a contributory factor in the development of extremism and violence. The population has already suffered for far too long," she added.

    The commissioner said she supports the call of Palestinian President Abbas and Prime Minister Haniyeh for an immediate end to this violence.

    "I encourage all groups to resolve their differences via dialogue not violence," she said.

    Since the formation of the Palestinian national unity government in March 2007, the European Commission has stepped up assistance to the Palestinians.

    "Now is not the time to give up on national unity, both in the government and in the security sector. I call on both Hamas and Fatah to invest all their energy in this coalition," she said.

    Earlier on Thursday, the fighting between rival Hamas and Fatah movements in Gaza killed 16 Palestinians, most of them are Fatah members, pan-Arab satellite television al-Jazeera reported.

    On Thursday, EU Commissioner for Development Louis Michel announced that the EU's executive all 16 of its relief projects in the territory funded by the EC's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO)due to the lack of security, for the first time ever.

    "The warring parties must respect the principles of international humanitarian law and do everything possible to facilitate safe access by relief agencies to the civilian population," Michel said.

    "I fervently hope that the projects can resume very soon. This is a time when people desperately need protection and support," said Michel, expressing concern over the "growing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza".

    Michel also condemned the death of two UN Relief and Works Agency employees caught in the crossfire.

    "The Palestinians have already suffered far too much. I strongly urge the warring parties to put away their guns and work together for the good of their people," he said.

    Last year, the commission provided 84 million euros (112 million U.S. dollars) for humanitarian operations in the Palestinian Territories and 60 million euros has been earmarked for this year so far.