BRUSSELS: The European Union’s Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, has criticized Israel for imposing illegal restrictions on fuel supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip. He said that Israeli restrictions are hindering vital aid deliveries and violating a UN resolution.
Lenarcic’s statement comes as EU countries and aid organizations work urgently to provide relief to Gaza’s 2.3 million population following a truce between Israel and Hamas.
During a press briefing in Brussels, Lenarcic said that they are calling for an increase in fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip. “The humanitarian access should be based on the needs and not on some restrictions,” he emphasized.
The Commissioner highlighted two main challenges faced by aid deliveries to Gaza. Firstly, trucks entering Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, the sole entry point not connected to Israeli territory, undergo screening 90 minutes away from the crossing. Secondly, Israel is allowing only limited amounts of fuel into Gaza, which Lenarcic deems insufficient for the territory’s needs.
Lenarcic stressed that fuel is crucial for various humanitarian operations, including hospitals, water stations, desalination plants, water pumps, and bakeries. “The quantities that are for the moment entering daily are not enough for all this,” he added.
EU Commissioner Calls for Increased Aid Delivery to Gaza
The EU Commissioner called for an increase in truck screening capacity and for Israel to permit more fuel into Gaza. He referenced a UN Security Council resolution from November 16, which mandates “unimpeded access” for essential items such as food, water, medicine, and fuel to reach Gaza.
Lenarcic also expressed concern that international humanitarian law might not be respected by Israel. He questioned the proportionality of the Israeli military actions, stating, “I would find it difficult to argue that this criteria of military action and proportionality are being respected for 15,000-plus Palestinian civilians killed in 50-plus days.”
He pointed to the International Criminal Court as the authority to make the ultimate judgment, noting that its prosecutor’s office is gathering evidence of alleged crimes committed in Gaza and the West Bank.
