EU condemns Israel’s restrictions on entry of humanitarian aid

Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative, condemns Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid, urging the country to open gates and allow a humanitarian corridor after an attack on Palestinians awaiting aid in Gaza

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, condemned Israel’s restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid, calling on Israel to facilitate existing entries, open all gates, and allow a humanitarian corridor.

In a written statement from Borrell’s office regarding Israel’s attack on Palestinians waiting for aid in Gaza on Feb. 29, an international investigation was requested to clarify the incident.

The statement emphasized that regardless of the outcome of the investigation; it is Israel’s responsibility to adhere to international law rules and ensure the distribution of humanitarian aid to civilians.

“The responsibility for this incident lies on the restrictions imposed by the Israeli army and the obstruction of humanitarian aid by violent extremist elements,” the statement said, adding: “This very serious incident highlights that restrictions on humanitarian aid entry contribute to scarcity, hunger, and disease, as well as revealing a level of despair that brings violence. Continuous struggle and disregard for international humanitarian law will lead to complete chaos, making the distribution of humanitarian aid impossible.”

The statement condemned Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid entry and transit points.

Calling on Israel to fully cooperate with U.N. agencies and other humanitarian actors in the field, the statement urged Israel to immediately remove barriers at the Kerem Shalom crossing, open the Karni and Erez crossings in the north, open the Ashdod Port for humanitarian aid, and allow direct humanitarian corridor access from Jordan.

The statement emphasized that air delivery of aid should be a last resort.

Source: Newsroom

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