European Union and British leaders on Monday called the humanitarian crisis in Gaza “unacceptable” and urged Israel to immediately lift its blockade and allow humanitarian aid to flow into the enclave.
Speaking at a news conference following an EU-UK summit in London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the conditions in Gaza were “intolerable,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that “humanitarian aid must never be politicized.”
“Aid must reach civilians in need immediately, and the blockade on Gaza needs to be lifted now,” von der Leyen said.
Israel has restricted the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies into Gaza since March 2, drawing widespread condemnation from the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, and European allies.
European Council President António Costa described the situation as a “tragedy,” accusing Israel of systematically violating international law and subjecting the population to disproportionate military force.
The leaders also reiterated calls for a permanent cease-fire and the release of all hostages.
The joint appeal followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement Sunday that Israel would allow a “basic amount of food” into Gaza amid mounting international pressure.
The entire population of Gaza — approximately 2 million people — is at imminent risk of famine, according to the United Nations.
Eden Bar Tal, director-general of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Monday that Israel had begun allowing trucks carrying baby food into the territory and planned to permit additional aid in the coming days.
The U.N. confirmed that nine trucks were allowed entry Monday but called the effort insufficient. “A drop in the ocean,” said U.N. Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher.
Israel’s limited resumption of aid deliveries comes as it launches what it described as an “extensive” new ground operation in Gaza, its largest since breaking the cease-fire with Hamas on March 18.