The EU reiterates its grave concern over the persistent and devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The severe flooding and winter conditions that have struck Gaza are further aggravating the living conditions of an already exhausted population, exacerbating unsafe conditions and human suffering.
The EU underlines the need to respect International Law, including International Humanitarian Law, at all times. This includes the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as medical personnel and facilities. The recent airstrike on the Nasser Hospital is deeply alarming.
The commitments related to humanitarian aid foreseen in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict have to be fully implemented, in line with international law.
We urge Israel to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance and early recovery support at scale, and to reopen all Gaza border crossings. Israel must enable the work of the UN and its agencies, and humanitarian organisations including NGOs, and comply with all its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We recall that aid should be solely used for peaceful uses and not diverted by armed groups.
After a year since the ceasefire was announced, military strikes continue and shortages of essential items, including suitable shelter, medicine and medical equipment, caused by the existing access restrictions persist, resulting in the absence of acceptable and dignified living conditions.
The EU reaffirms its commitment to the two-state solution and calls on all actors to fully implement the provisions of UNSC resolution 2803 without delay, in line with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and international political and legal principles, in particular the permanent decommissioning of weapons from Hamas and other non-state armed groups, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the civilian transition in Gaza. Hamas should not have any role in the future governance of Gaza.
