The European Union warns of ongoing obstacles to humanitarian aid in Gaza
A European Union official warned that "factors that pose significant obstacles continue to undermine humanitarian operations and the delivery of aid to Gaza," noting that the humanitarian situation in the sector "remains extremely serious."
This came after the EU's foreign policy and humanitarian aid arm briefed member states on the developments of the agreement reached with Israel last month to enhance aid access.
The official confirmed, on Thursday, August 7, that there have been "some positive developments," such as improved fuel supply, reopening of some corridors, an increase in the number of trucks entering daily, and repairs to some vital infrastructure.
However, he emphasized that the absence of a "safe working environment that allows for widespread distribution of aid" remains the biggest challenge.
For its part, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned of deteriorating conditions, stating in a post on platform X that residents of Gaza "are being shot at while trying to find food for their families."
UNRWA added: "Residents are starving and being killed while searching for food," calling for a "political decision to open the crossings unconditionally and allow the UN and its partners to carry out their humanitarian work."
In a related context, the Ministry of Interior in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, warned of the dangers of aerial aid drops, confirming that they cause casualties and destruction in displacement camps, and increase chaos.
The Israeli army had resumed these operations on July 26, amid the worsening humanitarian crisis since the crossings were closed in March, leading to widespread famine, according to relief organizations.
It is noteworthy that Israel has been waging war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, in response to a Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis, according to official sources. Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry announced that the number of Palestinian casualties has risen to more than 61,000, in addition to massive destruction of infrastructure and residential areas.
