EU reiterates ‘grave concern’ over Gaza humanitarian crisis as winter approaches

Europe’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called on Israel to protect civilians in Gaza as severe flooding batters the enclave, saying an airstrike on the Nasser Hospital on Thursday was “deeply alarming.”

“The severe flooding and winter conditions that have struck Gaza are further aggravating the living conditions of an already exhausted population, exacerbating unsafe conditions and human suffering,” Kallas said in a statement Saturday.

Kallas also called on Israel to comply with international law and allow the United Nations and humanitarian organizations unimpeded access and to reopen all border crossings into Gaza.

“After a year since the ceasefire was announced, military strikes continue and shortages of essential items, including suitable shelter, medicine and medical equipment, caused by the existing access restrictions persist, resulting in the absence of acceptable and dignified living conditions,” Kallas’ statement said.

Israel denies breaching international law and blocking humanitarian aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the amount of aid allowed into Gaza. He said Israel was supporting winter preparedness in Gaza but wouldn’t allow terror group Hamas to exploit humanitarian supplies.

Israel’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar severed ties with Kallas in June after a media report alleged she compared Israel to apartheid South Africa. Kallas has long backed a push from several member countries to pressure the European Commission to ban trade with territories illegally occupied by Israel.

Israel’s mission to the EU was reached for comment.

Israel launched the war in Gaza in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 people and in which 250 people were taken hostage. Since then, more than 70,000 people have been killed in the Palestinian enclave.