The European Union has secured a deal with Israel to significantly increase the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, following weeks of diplomatic pressure and warnings over potential violations of international law.
The agreement, announced Thursday by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, follows what Brussels described as “constructive dialogue” with the Israeli government. The deal includes multiple measures aimed at easing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over two million people are facing dire shortages of food, water, and medical supplies after more than 21 months of war.
Key Measures of the Agreement:
- A substantial increase in daily trucks carrying food and essential supplies into Gaza.
- Reopening of several crossing points, both in northern and southern parts of the enclave.
- Restoration of aid routes from Jordan and Egypt.
- Resumption of fuel deliveries for humanitarian facilities.
- Repair and reconstruction of critical infrastructure, including water desalination systems.
An EU official confirmed that these efforts are being coordinated directly with the United Nations, and not the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — a U.S.-backed aid initiative that has faced criticism for allegedly politicizing aid distribution.
Kallas emphasized the importance of delivering aid “at scale” and directly to the population, with safeguards to prevent diversion to Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza.
EU Pressure and Legal Implications
The breakthrough comes after the EU issued strong condemnations of what it called Israel’s “abhorrent” attacks on civilians and imposed pressure to lift restrictions on aid. EU officials have also hinted at the possibility of suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement if Israel is found to be in violation of its human rights obligations under the deal.
Israeli Approval and Political Context
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who was central to the negotiations with Kallas, said the agreement was formally approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet the previous weekend.
“More trucks, more crossings, and more routes for humanitarian efforts” were part of the new decisions, Sa’ar confirmed during a joint press conference with his German and Austrian counterparts.
Despite this, divisions remain within the Israeli government. Far-right ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have opposed the aid concessions and criticized Netanyahu for engaging in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
Ceasefire Talks and the Humanitarian Toll
Talks for a potential 60-day ceasefire — mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt — are ongoing in Doha. Sa’ar noted on Thursday that an agreement is “achievable,” with provisions for negotiating a permanent ceasefire if a temporary halt in fighting is reached.
The deal follows international criticism over Israel’s 10-week siege of Gaza launched in early March. That campaign, aimed at forcing Hamas to release Israeli hostages, has led to massive casualties and further destruction. The UN reports that over 500 Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks near GHF distribution hubs due to Israeli fire.
As diplomatic efforts continue, humanitarian groups warn that the situation in Gaza remains critical, and further delays or disruptions could result in widespread famine and additional loss of life.
