In a stark joint statement issued on May 7, 2025, High Representative Kaja Kallas, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib voiced deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where for more than two months no humanitarian supplies have been allowed to enter.
UN agencies report a total depletion of food reserves and widespread lack of safe drinking water, with looting and hunger escalating. The EU emphasized that urgent action is needed to lift the blockade, as sufficient aid for the entire population is waiting at the border.
The EU also expressed strong reservations about the new aid delivery mechanism reportedly adopted by Israel, which would delegate humanitarian distribution to non-humanitarian international actors and private contractors. Citing UN concerns, the EU stressed that such a move undermines humanitarian principles and violates international humanitarian law. It reiterated that humanitarian assistance must remain neutral and never be used as a political or military tool. The EU called on Israel to engage constructively with the UN and NGOs under the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2720.
Reaffirming its broader commitment to the Palestinian people, the EU called for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages. It also highlighted its ongoing humanitarian contributions, including over €450 million in aid and more than 3,800 tonnes of supplies delivered since 2023. The recent launch of a €1.6 billion multiannual Comprehensive Support Programme during the first High-Level Political Dialogue with the Palestinian Authority underlines the EU’s strategic intent to foster long-term resilience and recovery in the region.
(E-Summary by ChatGPT, prompted by Insight EU)
Joint statement by High Representative Kallas, Commissioner Šuica and Commissioner Lahbib on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
For over two months, no humanitarian supplies have entered Gaza. This is the longest such closure the Strip has ever faced and a matter of grave concern. UN agencies, including WFP and UNRWA, report that food stocks are now exhausted and most households lack safe water. Looting of warehouses has restarted. Humanitarians continue to warn that hunger is spreading and deepening in the enclave.
The EU reiterates its urgent call on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza immediately. Tons of aid, representing supplies for 3 months for the population of 2.2 million, are waiting at the border. Once the blockade is lifted, the nutrition situation could improve very quickly. As the occupying power, Israel is obliged under international law to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the population in need.
The EU is also concerned about the new ‘Gaza aid delivery mechanism’ reportedly approved by the Israeli security cabinet on 4 May, which runs counter to humanitarian principles, as underlined by UN agencies and humanitarian partners. The mechanism would shift the responsibility for the distribution of aid to non-humanitarian international actors and private security contractors.
Our message is clear: humanitarian aid must never be politicised or militarised. Using aid as a tool of war is prohibited under International Humanitarian Law. Aid must reach civilians in need. The EU also urges Israel to act on the basis of the UN proposals under the 2720 mechanism and to ensure full respect of international humanitarian law and of the core principles of humanitarian action — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence, by constructively discussing with the UN and designated NGOs.
The EU repeats its call for a resumption of the ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, leading to a permanent end to hostilities.
The EU reiterates its unwavering support for the Palestinian people. Since 2023 over 3,800 tonnes of aid were delivered via EU Air Bridge Flights and over €450 million of humanitarian aid were given to Gaza. At the occasion of the first ever High-Level Political Dialogue between the European Union and the Palestinian Authority, the Commission announced a multiannual Comprehensive Support Programme worth up to €1.6 billion, to foster Palestinian recovery and resilience.
Source – EU Commission