The European Union on Tuesday demanded Israel halt attacks on civilians at Gaza aid distribution points, escalating pressure amid worsening humanitarian conditions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas directly urged her Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, to end the violence, calling the deaths “indefensible.”
EU Warns of Further Action Amid Aid Access Gains
Kallas emphasized that the Israeli Defense Forces must stop killing civilians seeking aid, stating, “All options remain on the table if Israel doesn’t deliver on its pledges.” Earlier this month, the EU brokered a deal with Israel to improve aid access into Gaza, though officials stress progress remains insufficient.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these calls, declaring, “The images from Gaza are unbearable… Israel must deliver on its pledges.” Her remarks aligned with Kallas’ warnings, underscoring the EU’s unified stance against civilian harm.
EU Slams Israeli Attacks on WHO Facilities
Meanwhile, EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni condemned Israeli military actions targeting World Health Organization (WHO) premises in Gaza, asserting, “WHO premises must not be attacked—they must be protected.” This follows WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’ report of Israeli forces raiding their staff residence, forcibly evacuating civilians, and detaining male staff at gunpoint.
EU officials acknowledge “some improvements” in aid access but stress that “we need to do a lot more.” With over 2 million displaced Gazans relying on humanitarian aid, the bloc continues to pressure Israel, emphasizing that “time is of the essence” to avert further catastrophe.
