Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – As civilian casualties in Gaza mount, European leaders face growing pressure to take decisive diplomatic action and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
In an indication of growing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the majority of EU foreign ministers on 20th May voiced strong support for starting a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
By taking this action, Israel will be under further pressure to lift its blockade of Gaza and provide vital humanitarian relief to those in need.
The European Union is at last acknowledging the unsustainable state of affairs and reaffirming its resolve to attend to the pressing needs of the Gaza population.
MEP Udo Bullmann, S&D Coordinator of the Committee on Development:
“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is beyond critical. Approximately 2 million people are without basic necessities, such as water, food, and medical supplies, resulting in the daily loss of innocent lives, especially among children, the elderly, and the sick.
The UN has warned that 14,000 babies could die within two days. Immediate action is essential. The EU has a moral obligation to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Gaza without delay.
From the perspective of international partnerships and global development, it is encouraging that a majority of EU member states expressed support yesterday in the Foreign Affairs Council for reviewing trade ties with Israel over its blockade of Gaza.
Equally important is that humanitarian assistance remains independent, impartial, and free from political influence. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) plays a vital role in distributing aid and must not be undermined.
Its contribution to preventing further suffering is irreplaceable at this stage. The European Union should avoid the impression that it legitimizes Israel’s occupation policy and almost complete destruction of the Gaza Strip.
The EU must leverage its diplomatic influence in the region to demand a permanent ceasefire and ensure unimpeded assistance to those in need. Aid should never be politicized or used as a tool for manipulation.
The EU must also leverage its diplomatic stance – especially also in Qatar – to effect the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th 2023.
The suffering of innocent people on both sides must end. Europe must stand firm in upholding humanitarian principles. Now is the time for the EU to lead in safeguarding the rights and dignity of those who are suffering.”
The European Parliament met in Brussels on 21st May to decide how the EU would react to the Israeli government’s proposal to annex the Gaza Strip.
The discussion will center on making sure that individuals in need receive efficient humanitarian assistance. Members also call for the unconditional and prompt release of hostages that Hamas is holding.
What steps can Europe take to ensure aid reaches Gaza more effectively?
The most efficient and dependable means of delivering substantial amounts of aid are still land routes via crossings like Rafah, Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem, and Erez/Beit Hanoun. To ensure a continuous supply of food, medicine, and other necessities, Europe should advocate for the complete reopening and unhindered operation of these crossings.
Israel must be diplomatically pressured by the EU and its member states to end the siege and the limitations that prevent or delay assistance deliveries.
This includes rejecting any new methods that compromise the efficacy and principles of humanitarianism by transferring authority over assistance delivery from humanitarian organizations to private security or non-humanitarian actors.
In order to support UN agencies, the European Commission has already quadrupled its humanitarian aid funding for Gaza, totaling more than 75 million euros.
