European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has come under fire for the EU’s handling of the Gaza crisis, with critics accusing the bloc of inaction.
However, Kallas firmly rejected these claims, emphasizing the EU’s significant role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
“We are really trying to change the situation on the ground and second is that we are the biggest supporters,” she said, highlighting the EU’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Kallas acknowledged that the EU’s options are limited due to the United States’ unwavering support for Israel.
“If America is supporting everything that the Israeli government is doing, then the leverage they have is there. The leverage we have is in another place,” she noted, suggesting that the EU is exploring alternative avenues to exert influence.
Despite these challenges, Kallas assured that the EU is “trying to do what we can” to mitigate the crisis.
The EU’s efforts to address the Gaza situation are further complicated by divisions among its member states. Kallas warned that these divisions undermine the bloc’s credibility, particularly in comparison to its unified stance on Ukraine.
“We are doing as much as we can, but it’s not enough, because this humanitarian catastrophe is still ongoing. So, I continue to work with the member states to have a common position,” she added.
In a recent meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, Kallas presented a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which highlighted potential human rights breaches by Israel.
While some member states, like Spain and Ireland, have called for a suspension of the agreement, others, including Germany, Italy, and Hungary, oppose such measures.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted that Israel has “clearly violated” Article 2 of the EU-Israel agreement, and ministers will revisit this issue in July.
Kallas remains committed to finding a solution, emphasizing that diplomacy is key to achieving a long-term agreement. “Our first goal is to change the situation on the ground (in Gaza) and help the humanitarian aid get in and help the people.
So today was the beginning of the debate and not the end,” she said. The EU’s priorities, as outlined by Kallas, include a return to a full ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and the release of all hostages.
The European Union has been actively working to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas pushing for increased aid and support.
The EU has announced a new €120 million humanitarian aid package for Gaza, bringing the total EU humanitarian assistance to over €450 million since 2023.
This aid will focus on addressing pressing needs such as food security, healthcare, water and sanitation, shelter, and protection for vulnerable populations.
Key Aspects of EU Aid Package:
- Food Assistance: Addressing acute food insecurity and malnutrition in Gaza
- Healthcare Assistance: Supporting the functioning of healthcare facilities and providing medical supplies
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Support: Allowing access to water and sanitation services
- Shelter Assistance: Providing safe and secure accommodation for displaced individuals
- Protection Assistance: Supporting the safety and dignity of vulnerable populations
Despite these efforts, the EU faces challenges in delivering aid due to access restrictions and security concerns in Gaza.
The EU has launched a Humanitarian Air Bridge operation, which has transported over 3,800 tonnes of aid to Gaza.
However, more needs to be done to address the humanitarian crisis, and the EU is working closely with UN agencies and other humanitarian partners to ensure swift delivery of assistance.
The EU is also exploring potential measures against Israel over concerns about human rights violations.
These measures could include sanctions, arms embargoes, or suspensions of trade agreements.
However, not all EU member states agree on the best course of action, with some countries like Germany and Italy opposing sanctions.
Potential EU Measures Against Israel:
- Sanctions: Travel bans, asset freezes, or other economic penalties
- Arms Embargo: Restricting the sale or transfer of military equipment to Israel
- Suspension of Trade Agreements: Temporarily or permanently suspending trade agreements between the EU and Israel
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands of people in need of humanitarian assistance. The EU’s efforts to address the crisis are ongoing, but more work is needed to ensure the delivery of aid and protection of civilians.