BRUSSELS, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Saturday urged Israel to reopen all Gaza border crossings to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance and early recovery support at scale.
In a statement published by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU reiterated its grave concern over the persistent and devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It said the severe flooding and winter conditions impacting the enclave are further aggravating the living conditions of an already exhausted population, exacerbating unsafe conditions and human suffering.
The statement noted that a year after the ceasefire was announced, military strikes continue and shortages of essential items persist due to restricted access, resulting in the absence of acceptable and dignified living conditions.
The EU urged Israel to enable the work of the United Nations and its agencies, and humanitarian organizations, including non-governmental organizations, and to comply with all its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
The bloc underlined the need to respect international law, including international humanitarian law, at all times, particularly the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as medical personnel and facilities. It described the recent airstrike on Nasser Hospital as "deeply alarming."
Reaffirming its commitment to the two-state solution, the EU called on all actors to fully implement the provisions of UN Security Council 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.
The statement stressed that Hamas should not have any role in the future governance of Gaza.
On Nov. 7, Gaza's civil defense authorities declared a state of maximum emergency as a rainstorm flooded around 70,000 tents housing displaced Palestinians and overwhelmed rescue services.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, about 1.4 million Palestinians, or 65 percent of Gaza's population, were living in tents or makeshift shelters. It warned that humanitarian shelter stocks inside Gaza were virtually exhausted, while more than 150,000 tents remained outside the territory awaiting entry. However, Israel says it restricts certain materials over concerns that Hamas could use them for military purposes. ■
