EU Condemns Israel over Civilian Deaths in Gaza Amid Heightened Conflict
Political pressure mounts as high-ranking officials call for a cessation of hostilities and a return to humanitarian aid.
LONDON: Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, condemned Israel on Wednesday regarding the escalating number of civilian deaths in Gaza and the tight restrictions on humanitarian aid.
The remarks come amid increasing political pressure within Europe against Israel's military operations in the region, which have reportedly resulted in nearly 54,000 Palestinian fatalities since October 2023.
Kallas highlighted the issues surrounding Israel's military actions, stating, "Israel's military operation in Gaza, the disproportionate use of force, and the deaths of civilians cannot be tolerated." She specifically condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure as "unacceptable" and called for a return to the ceasefire that was established but quickly broke down in March, lasting less than two months.
Kallas further urged for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and advocated for a permanent resolution to the conflict through diplomatic negotiations.
Following the termination of the ceasefire, Israel intensified its military operations, resulting in almost 4,000 additional casualties.
The government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to assume full control over Gaza in efforts to eradicate Hamas's presence.
Furthermore, Israel has taken charge of distributing humanitarian aid in the territory after enforcing a blockade on supplies for over two months, leading to rising concerns of widespread famine among the already impoverished population.
A newly implemented aid distribution system, bypassing the United Nations, has been established in southern Gaza, operated in collaboration with a recently formed American organization.
This new system commenced this week but has faced significant criticism from various Arab and European governments, as well as humanitarian agencies.
Kallas stressed, "Humanitarian aid must never be politicized or militarized," reiterating the necessity for the immediate and unrestricted resumption of aid tailored to the needs of Gaza's civilian populace.
She called for the United Nations to return to its role as a distributor of humanitarian assistance in the region.
In a related development, while Gaza has been in the spotlight due to the humanitarian crisis, Israel has increased its military activities in the occupied West Bank.
Accusations have emerged regarding Israeli officials allegedly encouraging settler violence against Palestinians.
Kallas noted that campaigns of intimidation, attacks, and home demolitions by settlers have led to the displacement of entire Palestinian communities, urging Israel to take robust measures to hold accountable those responsible for such acts.
Kallas's statements align with a recent rebuke issued by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which indicates a potential shift in Germany's traditionally strong support for Israel.
Merz expressed skepticism regarding the Israeli military's objectives, stating, "What the Israeli Army is doing in the Gaza Strip, I no longer understand the goal," articulating that the harm to civilians can no longer be justified by the narrative of combating terrorism.
Earlier last week, a joint statement from the United Kingdom, France, and Canada demanded that Israel cease its military actions, threatening potential "concrete actions" in response to ongoing violence.
Concurrently, the Italian government, led by its right-wing coalition, has also called for an end to Israeli assaults, labeling the situation as "unacceptable." Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cautioned against any initiatives aiming to forcibly relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza, following Netanyahu's remarks about offering "voluntary emigration" to other states for the residents of the territory.
Netanyahu has countered international criticism, arguing that it "emboldens" Hamas, the group he accuses of orchestrating an attack on Israel in October 2023 that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of numerous hostages.
In light of the evolving situation, the UK has placed discussions on a proposed free-trade agreement with Israel on hold, while the European Union has initiated a review of its association agreement with the nation.
Kallas conveyed her intention to present potential options for the EU's future actions by June 23.
The remarks come amid increasing political pressure within Europe against Israel's military operations in the region, which have reportedly resulted in nearly 54,000 Palestinian fatalities since October 2023.
Kallas highlighted the issues surrounding Israel's military actions, stating, "Israel's military operation in Gaza, the disproportionate use of force, and the deaths of civilians cannot be tolerated." She specifically condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure as "unacceptable" and called for a return to the ceasefire that was established but quickly broke down in March, lasting less than two months.
Kallas further urged for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and advocated for a permanent resolution to the conflict through diplomatic negotiations.
Following the termination of the ceasefire, Israel intensified its military operations, resulting in almost 4,000 additional casualties.
The government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to assume full control over Gaza in efforts to eradicate Hamas's presence.
Furthermore, Israel has taken charge of distributing humanitarian aid in the territory after enforcing a blockade on supplies for over two months, leading to rising concerns of widespread famine among the already impoverished population.
A newly implemented aid distribution system, bypassing the United Nations, has been established in southern Gaza, operated in collaboration with a recently formed American organization.
This new system commenced this week but has faced significant criticism from various Arab and European governments, as well as humanitarian agencies.
Kallas stressed, "Humanitarian aid must never be politicized or militarized," reiterating the necessity for the immediate and unrestricted resumption of aid tailored to the needs of Gaza's civilian populace.
She called for the United Nations to return to its role as a distributor of humanitarian assistance in the region.
In a related development, while Gaza has been in the spotlight due to the humanitarian crisis, Israel has increased its military activities in the occupied West Bank.
Accusations have emerged regarding Israeli officials allegedly encouraging settler violence against Palestinians.
Kallas noted that campaigns of intimidation, attacks, and home demolitions by settlers have led to the displacement of entire Palestinian communities, urging Israel to take robust measures to hold accountable those responsible for such acts.
Kallas's statements align with a recent rebuke issued by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which indicates a potential shift in Germany's traditionally strong support for Israel.
Merz expressed skepticism regarding the Israeli military's objectives, stating, "What the Israeli Army is doing in the Gaza Strip, I no longer understand the goal," articulating that the harm to civilians can no longer be justified by the narrative of combating terrorism.
Earlier last week, a joint statement from the United Kingdom, France, and Canada demanded that Israel cease its military actions, threatening potential "concrete actions" in response to ongoing violence.
Concurrently, the Italian government, led by its right-wing coalition, has also called for an end to Israeli assaults, labeling the situation as "unacceptable." Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cautioned against any initiatives aiming to forcibly relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza, following Netanyahu's remarks about offering "voluntary emigration" to other states for the residents of the territory.
Netanyahu has countered international criticism, arguing that it "emboldens" Hamas, the group he accuses of orchestrating an attack on Israel in October 2023 that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of numerous hostages.
In light of the evolving situation, the UK has placed discussions on a proposed free-trade agreement with Israel on hold, while the European Union has initiated a review of its association agreement with the nation.
Kallas conveyed her intention to present potential options for the EU's future actions by June 23.
