The United Nations, the European Union and the Vatican are calling for an end to fighting in the Middle East. 

Speaking in Madrid Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the whole world is demanding that Israel withdraw its troops from Palestinian territories. He appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to begin the pull-back immediately. 

European Commission President Romano Prodi also called for a withdrawal Monday, saying the violence in the West Bank is leading to a "major humanitarian crisis." He said the Israeli army has sealed off the area to medical and aid workers. 

Mr. Prodi also implored Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian people to "abandon terrorism" because it brings misery to innocent civilians. 

The EU leader also said it is possible the European Union will call a special meeting of the EU. - Israel Association Council, which oversees trade between Israel and the 15-nation bloc. 

Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Pique, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, said Sunday the EU might impose sanctions on Israel if it continues its offensive. 

Pope John Paul II says the violence has escalated to "intolerable" levels, as Vatican officials called on Israelis and Palestinians to respect the region's Christian holy sites. The pope spoke just hours after gunfire was reported at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. 

Earlier Monday, Prime Minister Sharon said Israel's military offensive in the West Bank would continue until Palestinian terrorists are crushed. The offensive in the West Bank is in its 11th day. 

Some information for this report provided by AFP.

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