EU urges Israel to lift Gaza blockade amid humanitarian crisis

The European Union expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

In a joint statement by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commissioners for Humanitarian Aid and Mediterranean Cooperation, the EU urged Israel to immediately lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The document highlights the critical depletion of food supplies and other essential goods following the recent ceasefire.

"The EU once again calls on Israel to lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip so that humanitarian aid can be delivered in greater quantities across the entire enclave," the statement reads.

The statement also demands accountability for those responsible for the attack on humanitarian workers on February 23. The EU emphasized the unacceptable number of civilian casualties in Gaza and the need to end the violence.

Since October 7, 2023, at least 50,523 Palestinians have been killed, and 114,776 injured, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. ​

Israel's suspension of aid entry since March 2 has led to critical shortages of food, medical supplies, and fuel. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warns that humanitarian supplies are dangerously low, urging an immediate end to the blockade to facilitate aid delivery. ​

By Khagan Isayev