EU Criticizes Israeli Military Actions in Gaza Amid Rising Casualties

The escalating military conflict in Gaza has prompted a strong response from EU officials, highlighting concerns about the humanitarian crisis.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has publicly criticized the Israeli military strikes in Gaza, stating that they "go beyond what is necessary to fight Hamas" as casualties continue to rise. With Gaza's health ministry reporting 3,924 deaths from Israeli air strikes and military actions since war resumed in March, Kallas emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid.

Kallas also voiced opposition to a newly proposed aid distribution model supported by the U.S. and Israel, which avoids established humanitarian organizations like the UN. "We don't support the privatization of the distribution of humanitarian aid. Humanitarian aid cannot be weaponized," she asserted.

The resurgence of violence marked by Israeli air strikes commenced after a ceasefire was called following a Hamas cross-border attack that left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead on October 7, 2023. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated ambitious plans to relocate Gaza’s civilian population amidst ongoing military operations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed confusion regarding Israel's objectives in the region, echoing sentiments that the impact on civilians can no longer be justified in the fight against Hamas terrorism. Both Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, and other European leaders have condemned Israeli actions as "abhorrent" while calling for an immediate reassessment of trade agreements with Israel.

Moreover, EU officials contend that a significant portion of humanitarian aid is being hindered due to Israel's blockade. Kallas pointed out that current aid flows are insufficient, exacerbating the dire situation for Gaza's 2.1 million residents. UN agencies have warned of catastrophic hunger levels in the territory.

The U.S. and Israel are advocating for the establishment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to oversee aid distribution; however, UN representatives have labeled this approach as unethical and impractical. Amid these challenges, Israel is pressing ahead with military actions while proposing what many have interpreted as plans for the forced evacuation of Gaza's residents to a so-called "sterile zone."

As the humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza, the EU's calls for accountability and change in the handling of aid distribution resonate amidst an increasingly volatile situation.