EU reiterates “grave concern” over Gaza humanitarian crisis as winter approaches, Kallas urges more aid
The European Union has reiterated its “grave concern” over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as winter approaches. The bloc's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has called on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
In a statement on Saturday, Kallas said the severe flooding and winter conditions that have struck Gaza are further aggravating the living conditions of an already exhausted population, exacerbating unsafe conditions and human suffering.
She described Thursday's airstrike on the Nasser Hospital as “deeply alarming” and called on Israel to protect civilians in Gaza.
Kallas also called on Israel to comply with international law, allow the United Nations and humanitarian organisations unimpeded access, and reopen all border crossings into Gaza.
In the statement she said that, a year after the ceasefire was announced, military strikes continue, and shortages of essential items — including suitable shelter, medicine and medical equipment — caused by the existing access restrictions persist, resulting in the absence of acceptable and dignified living conditions.
Israel denies breaching international law and blocking humanitarian aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the amount of aid allowed into Gaza. He said Israel was supporting winter preparedness in Gaza but would not allow the terror group Hamas to exploit humanitarian supplies.
Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar severed ties with Kallas in June, after a media report alleged she had compared Israel to apartheid South Africa. Kallas has long backed a push from several member countries to pressure the European Commission to ban trade with territories illegally occupied by Israel. Israel's mission to the EU was reached for comment.
Israel launched the war in Gaza in response to Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack, which killed about 1,200 people and in which 250 people were taken hostage. Since then, more than 70,000 people have been killed in the Palestinian enclave.
