Providing aid in Gaza is now “nearly impossible” – DW – 06/24/2024

The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, and the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, denounced on Sunday (06/23/2024) that the situation in Gaza has “reached a new turning point”, as the provision of humanitarian aid within the Strip has already become an “almost impossible” mission.

“The fabric of civil society is falling apart,” Borrell and Lenarcic warned in a joint statement. “Hungry citizens are taking desperate measures to access the limited amount of aid that is available.”

Both community leaders denounced the “unacceptably unsafe” environment in which humanitarian workers operate in Gaza, due, according to them, to “ongoing military operations and the collapse of law and order” in the Strip.

Borrell and Lenarcic regretted that the Israeli army’s announcement last Sunday that it would impose a “tactical halt” to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza “did not lead to any improvement” in the security of organizations and partners working on the ground.

“The operation risks failing if measures are not taken,” the head of European diplomacy and crisis management commissioner said.

Aid collected at borders

He also warned that international humanitarian aid, including from the European Union, for Gaza civilians was “accumulating at the Egyptian and Jordanian borders” and that some supplies such as food were running out and “at risk of going to waste.”

“This is a serious setback for our humanitarian efforts and for the entire international community, besides representing a physical and financial loss of EU funds,” he said.

Borrell and Lenarcic stressed that sending aid to Gaza knowing that it will not be able to enter Gaza is “useless” and therefore called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas to make way for “concrete” action to provide humanitarian aid to civilians.

Both community leaders urged “parties involved” in the war to abide by “their international obligations,” which, they said, include protecting civilians, guaranteeing their access to basic supplies, and providing security to humanitarian workers.

GS (EFE, EES)