19 EU Nations Urge Action as Israel’s Aid Rules Threaten Gaza

Foreign ministers from 19 European Union (EU) countries have condemned Israel’s new regulations governing aid provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Gaza. These rules, which will take effect in early September, are expected to complicate the humanitarian efforts in the region, potentially leading to the de-registration of many international NGOs by September 9. The United Nations has expressed concern that these changes could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The statement, which garnered support from foreign ministers of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom, described the humanitarian suffering in Gaza as reaching “unimaginable levels.” The ministers highlighted the unfolding famine, stating that “urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation.”

Calls for Humanitarian Access and Action

The statement emphasized the need to protect humanitarian space and insisted that aid should never be politicised. It warned that the new registration requirements could force essential international NGOs to exit the occupied Palestinian territories (OPTs), further deteriorating the humanitarian crisis. The ministers urged Israel to authorize all international NGOs and to facilitate the unrestricted entry of aid into Gaza, calling for immediate support through the United Nations and other international organizations. They also condemned the use of lethal force at aid distribution sites, pointing to reports of Palestinians being shot while attempting to access assistance.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Commissioners Dubravka Šuica and Hadja Lahbib also endorsed the statement. Earlier, Lahbib publicly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, characterizing plans for a military takeover of Gaza City as “catastrophic.” European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera remarked to POLITICO that the situation in Gaza, marked by widespread starvation and displacement, resembles genocide. These statements have sparked a growing discourse within Europe regarding the humanitarian crisis.

Humanitarian Crisis Escalates Amid Conflict

Israel has been engaged in military operations against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip since the group launched a surprise attack on southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 individuals. The conflict has led to significant destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, including critical water, sanitation, and healthcare facilities, along with civilian homes. Local authorities report that the civilian death toll has exceeded 60,000, with mounting fatalities attributed to starvation as Israel has increasingly restricted humanitarian aid into the territory.

The humanitarian situation is further complicated by internal strife within EU member states, where some civil servants have expressed dissent over perceived institutional complicity in the crisis. The growing tensions among EU nations reflect deep concerns about the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict and the international response to it.