Heavy winter weather and severe flooding across the Gaza Strip have triggered deep alarm within the European Union as living conditions for displaced civilians deteriorate rapidly.
“Severe flooding and winter weather in Gaza are worsening the living conditions of already exhausted people, deepening their unsafe situation and human suffering,” Kallas said.
Kallas issued a statement on Saturday calling on Israel to respect international law, allow unhindered access for the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, and reopen all border crossings into the Gaza Strip.
“More than a year after a ceasefire was announced, military attacks continue,” the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said in the statement, noting that existing access restrictions continue to block adequate shelter, medicine, and medical equipment, failing to provide acceptable and dignified living conditions.
| Official / Leader | Entity | Position / Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kaja Kallas | European Union | Called for reopening all border crossings and unhindered humanitarian access |
| Benjamin Netanyahu | Israel | Defended permitted aid volumes and opposed Hamas utilizing humanitarian supplies |
| Gideon Sa’ar | Israel | Foreign Minister who severed ties with Kallas following media reports |
Israel denies violating international law or blocking humanitarian aid. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the volume of aid permitted into the Gaza Strip, stating that Israel supports local winter preparations while refusing to allow Hamas to exploit humanitarian supplies.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar cut ties with Kallas in June following media reports comparing Israel to apartheid-era South Africa, while Kallas has long supported efforts by several EU member states to pressure the European Commission into banning trade with illegally occupied territories in Israel.
The conflict in Gaza began following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 250 hostages, while subsequent military operations have killed more than 70,000 people in the Palestinian territory.
