The EU’s foreign policy chief has seemingly criticized the United States for giving Israel a one-month deadline to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that many lives would be lost during that period.
“The US has been instructing Israel to enhance humanitarian support to Gaza, but they have allowed a one-month delay. Considering the current rate of casualties, that is too much time,” Josep Borrell informed reporters before a European Union leaders’ summit.
US officials indicated on Tuesday that Israel must take measures in the coming month to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or risk potential restrictions on US military assistance, marking the strongest warning since the onset of the conflict with Hamas a year ago.
The operation by Israel in the Palestinian enclave commenced a year ago, following the attacks on October 7, 2023, by Hamas-led fighters, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the capture of 250 hostages.
Mr. Borrell has been a vocal critic within the EU regarding Israel’s ongoing military actions. The bloc is fragmented in its approach, mainly advocating for a ceasefire.
Taoiseach Simon Harris expressed that the EU has not been proactive enough and pledged to collaborate with Spain to shift the dynamics within the 27-member bloc.
“Europe has yet to fully utilize all available levers to achieve a ceasefire,” he remarked.
Upon his arrival in Brussels, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted the divisions within Europe, asserting that Israel’s security must not be compromised, and seemed to indirectly criticize French President Emmanuel Macron, who has advocated for halting the supply of offensive weapons that could be utilized by Israel in Gaza.
“All criteria must be upheld, including international law. Regarding financial aid destined for Gaza, it is essential to prevent further escalation of the conflict,” he stated.
“Nonetheless, it is evident that supporting Israel requires continuously safeguarding its defense capabilities by providing military supplies or armaments.”
In the meantime, a UN-backed assessment has revealed that approximately 345,000 residents of Gaza are facing “catastrophic” levels of hunger this winter due to a decline in aid deliveries, highlighting the ongoing risk of famine in the Palestinian territory.
This figure is an increase from the 133,000 individuals currently classified as experiencing “catastrophic food insecurity,” according to a classification developed by UN agencies and NGOs.
