The European Union urged Israel on Saturday to allow immediate and unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza. The bloc warned that devastating floods and freezing winter conditions were severely worsening the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas issued a statement on behalf of the bloc calling for the reopening of all border crossings. She demanded the sustained delivery of essential supplies, including shelter materials and medical equipment, as displaced Palestinians struggle with severe weather.
Military strikes have continued one year after a ceasefire was announced, the statement noted. Persistent access restrictions have caused severe shortages of suitable shelter and medicine, resulting in an absence of dignified living conditions.
The EU expressed deep alarm over a Thursday Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The attack on the hospital’s surgical department killed six people, including a surgeon, and injured at least 27 others, while disrupting medical services at one of Gaza’s few remaining functioning facilities.
The Israeli military stated it had targeted a Hamas commander and other militants allegedly operating inside the hospital, though it did not provide evidence to support the claims. The strike drew widespread condemnation from the United Nations and 17 Arab and Muslim-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE and Qatar.
International humanitarian law requires the protection of civilians, medical personnel and healthcare facilities, the EU stressed. The bloc urged Israel to facilitate the work of UN agencies and humanitarian organizations while ensuring assistance is not diverted by armed groups.
Heavy rains have flooded tens of thousands of shelters across Gaza, leaving displaced families exposed to harsh weather. The UN reported on Friday that flooding has affected roughly 226,000 people, with over 40,000 shelters damaged.
Aid agencies warned that supplies of tents, tarpaulins and blankets are nearly exhausted inside the territory. Restrictions imposed by Israel and funding shortages continue to hinder emergency relief operations.
The World Health Organization reported a sharp rise in respiratory infections on Friday. Overcrowding, poor sanitation and flooded shelters are increasing disease outbreak risks.
The EU reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution and stated that Hamas should have no role in the future governance of Gaza. It called on all parties to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
That resolution includes the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a transition to civilian governance.
