Middle East conflict: EU: Israel has only partially implemented auxiliary deal for Gaza

According to the EU, Israel has so far only partially adhered to the consultation of better supplying the needy civilian population in the Gaza Strip. There are some progress and positive developments, but it is clear that the agreement from last week is far from being fully implemented, said the responsible EU commissioner Hadja Lahbib at an EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Brussels. For example, there could still not be enough trucks into the Gaza Strip with aid deliveries.

Lahbib criticized persistent Israeli air raids, which ensured that aid organizations could not work. At the weekend, more than 100 people died – mainly children and women – while they would have waited for the distribution of food and water.

The Belgian advocated that in the event of the failure of the new auxiliary agreements, to consider sanctions against Israel. “It is important to maintain the pressure,” she said.

An option paper, which was recently sent to the Member States, shows that there are a number of measures that the Israeli government could theoretically put under pressure. They include, for example, the exposure of commercial advantages, an weapon embargo and the blockade of Israel’s access to the EU research promotion program Horizon. In addition, entry requirements for Israeli citizens could be tightened and sanctions against politicians who have a responsibility for the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Kallas: We have to see more

According to EU information, the agreement for better care for the needy civilian population in the sealed-up Gaza Strip provides, among other things, a significant increase in the number of daily grocery deliveries and other relief goods by truck. More border crossings to the coastal area should open and the Jordan and Egyptian auxiliary routes can be used again.

At the Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Kallas said that in addition to more trucks, there are also some positive signs of the opening of the border crossings and the reconstruction of power lines and water supply. In order to be able to speak of a real improvement for people, you have to see more. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is still catastrophic.

Information on the meeting