Following discussions and agreements, Israel has committed to enhancing the provision of essential supplies to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. EU foreign affairs representative Kaja Kallas announced the forthcoming implementation of these measures on Thursday.
The commitment stems from recent decisions made by the Israeli Cabinet and a constructive dialogue between the EU and Israel. Both parties expressed a shared understanding of the need for large-scale, direct assistance to the population, alongside an ongoing commitment to prevent the diversion of aid to Hamas.
The planned actions encompass a significant increase in the daily number of trucks delivering food and other vital goods into Gaza. Efforts will also focus on opening additional border crossings in the northern and southern regions, alongside the resumption of aid routes originating from Jordan and Egypt. Furthermore, the distribution of food through bakeries and public kitchens across the Gaza Strip is planned. The restoration of fuel deliveries to humanitarian organizations, aiming to return operations to a functional level, is also included in the measures.
The EU affirmed its readiness to coordinate efforts with all relevant humanitarian actors, UN organizations and non-governmental organizations operating in the region to ensure the swift implementation of these urgently needed actions. Simultaneously, the EU continues to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages, while supporting the ongoing mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States.