The European Union has issued a stern warning to Israel, cautioning that “all options remain on the table” if Israel fails to address the worsening starvation crisis in Gaza. This warning comes as 109 aid groups call for action against Israel, warning that “mass starvation is spreading” across the enclave. The situation in Gaza is dire, with health authorities reporting at least 15 Palestinians died of starvation in a single day, bringing the death toll from hunger to 101, including 80 children.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, emphasized that Israel’s killing of civilians seeking aid in Gaza is “indefensible” and urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. However, despite an alleged deal between the EU and Israel to ease humanitarian suffering, aid officials say the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza has not increased. The agreement promised more aid trucks, new crossing points, and restored supply routes from Egypt and Jordan, but so far, Israel has failed to honor any part of the deal.
Critics argue that the EU is complicit in Israel’s actions, with the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor stating that Europe’s “inaction and evasive diplomacy” gives Israel a green light to continue war crimes against civilians. “Europe is not just watching; it is helping engineer mass starvation,” the group said, describing the EU’s current approach as a moral and political failure. The Gaza Government Media Office also condemned the EU’s stance, accusing the bloc of “ethical and political paralysis” in the face of Israel’s crimes.
Meanwhile, the US has announced that Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, will head to Europe for ceasefire talks and an aid “corridor”. Witkoff’s visit aims to secure a deal, and he may travel to Qatar if progress is made. The US State Department expressed “strong hope” for a ceasefire and humanitarian corridor to facilitate aid flow into Gaza. Israel’s war on Gaza has resulted in significant human suffering, with at least 59,106 people killed and 142,511 wounded. An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023 attacks, and more than 200 were taken captive.