EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas has stated that Israeli strikes in Gaza are excessive in the fight against Hamas, as the humanitarian situation worsens amid rising civilian casualties.
EU Criticizes Israeli Military Action in Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
EU Criticizes Israeli Military Action in Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
The European Union expresses concerns over Israel's military response in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid.
In a striking condemnation of Israel's military actions, Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief diplomat, emphasized that the ongoing airstrikes "go beyond what is necessary" in efforts to combat Hamas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a distressing death toll of 3,924, fueled by Israel's military resurgence that began in March, following a fragile ceasefire. The EU has voiced its disapproval of an aid distribution model proposed by the US and Israel, which seeks to bypass established humanitarian organizations. Kallas stressed, "Humanitarian aid cannot be weaponised," voicing the EU's commitment to maintaining humanitarian neutrality.
Recent statements from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed Kallas' sentiments, questioning the justification of civilian suffering in the pursuit of military objectives against Hamas. The EU remains a crucial donor for Gaza, yet Kallas revealed that significant portions of aid have been blocked from reaching those in desperate need due to Israel's blockade, imposed since March.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen labeled the Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure as "abhorrent" and "disproportionate," aligning with criticism from the UK, France, and Canada, who have called for an immediate cessation of military operations in Gaza. The trade relationship between the UK and Israel is also under scrutiny, with the UK temporarily halting trade negotiations.
To address the dire humanitarian crisis, the EU has initiated a formal review of its trade agreement with Israel. Kallas indicated that a range of options would be discussed at the forthcoming EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels scheduled for June 23. Meanwhile, UN agencies have reported that Gaza’s population faces extreme food scarcity, worsened by the blockade.
In a controversial move, Israel, supported by the US, is establishing a new aid distribution system through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which bypasses the UN. This has raised ethical concerns, as it utilizes US security contractors to manage the aid flow, amidst allegations of aid being misappropriated by Hamas—a claim vehemently denied by the group.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed relocating Gaza's population amidst ongoing military operations, suggesting plans for the "voluntary emigration" of many residents to other countries, a strategy criticized as forced displacement. Israel's military operations were initiated in response to a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant civilian casualties and an alarming spike in violence. Since then, it is reported that the conflict has claimed at least 54,084 lives in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution and increased humanitarian support in the region.
Recent statements from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed Kallas' sentiments, questioning the justification of civilian suffering in the pursuit of military objectives against Hamas. The EU remains a crucial donor for Gaza, yet Kallas revealed that significant portions of aid have been blocked from reaching those in desperate need due to Israel's blockade, imposed since March.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen labeled the Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure as "abhorrent" and "disproportionate," aligning with criticism from the UK, France, and Canada, who have called for an immediate cessation of military operations in Gaza. The trade relationship between the UK and Israel is also under scrutiny, with the UK temporarily halting trade negotiations.
To address the dire humanitarian crisis, the EU has initiated a formal review of its trade agreement with Israel. Kallas indicated that a range of options would be discussed at the forthcoming EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels scheduled for June 23. Meanwhile, UN agencies have reported that Gaza’s population faces extreme food scarcity, worsened by the blockade.
In a controversial move, Israel, supported by the US, is establishing a new aid distribution system through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which bypasses the UN. This has raised ethical concerns, as it utilizes US security contractors to manage the aid flow, amidst allegations of aid being misappropriated by Hamas—a claim vehemently denied by the group.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed relocating Gaza's population amidst ongoing military operations, suggesting plans for the "voluntary emigration" of many residents to other countries, a strategy criticized as forced displacement. Israel's military operations were initiated in response to a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant civilian casualties and an alarming spike in violence. Since then, it is reported that the conflict has claimed at least 54,084 lives in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution and increased humanitarian support in the region.
