LONDON: The European Union has denounced Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid entry into Gaza, said the bloc’s foreign policy chief on Saturday.
In a statement, Josep Borrell condemned the Israeli latest attack on Palestinian civilians in the besieged enclave, asserting it as “unjustifiable.” At least 112 Palestinians were killed and 760 injured after Israeli forces opened indiscriminate fire on a gathering of people in Gaza City who were waiting for humanitarian relief on Thursday.
Borrell called for an impartial international investigation into the tragic event to ascertain a clear understanding of the circumstances and accountabilities, urging Israel to adhere to international law and ensure the distribution of humanitarian aid to civilian populations.
He cautioned that continued fighting and disregard for international humanitarian law would lead to “complete chaos,” hindering the distribution of humanitarian aid.
Borrell attributed responsibility for the incident to the restrictions imposed by the Israeli army and disruptions by violent extremists to the supply of humanitarian aid.
He called on Israel to fully collaborate with UN agencies and other humanitarian actors engaged in the humanitarian response, allowing free, unimpeded, and secure humanitarian access through all crossing points.
The EU condemned Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid entry and the closure of crossing points, urging Israel to immediately remove barriers at the Kerem Shalom crossing and reopen access at the Karni and Erez crossings in the north. Furthermore, Borrell urged the opening of the port of Ashdod to humanitarian aid and the establishment of a direct humanitarian corridor from Jordan.
An immediate humanitarian pause leading to a lasting ceasefire was deemed necessary by Borrell to enable large-scale humanitarian aid delivery and the protection of civilians in Gaza.
Since October 7, more than 30,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. The campaign has also resulted in mass displacement, widespread destruction of civilian buildings, schools, hospitals, and shortages of essential supplies.
Israel has been accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, with an interim ruling in January ordering Tel Aviv to cease genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza civilians.
