The reports cannot be independently verified as media and international observers have been barred from Gaza, but the Red Cross has warned of an “unrelenting tide of injuries” that threatens to overwhelm the last remaining operational field hospital in the area.
That comes after the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, Kaja Kallas, said she had brokered a deal with Israeli authorities to ensure Palestinians could access aid, amid fears of famine, water shortages and an almost total disintegration of the health care system.
“This deal means more crossings open, aid and food trucks entering Gaza, repair of vital infrastructure and protection of aid workers. We count on Israel to implement every measure agreed,” the former Estonian prime minister declared on Thursday, insisting that humanitarian supplies would begin flowing within days.
The European Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest developments.
Top diplomats from EU member states will on Tuesday discuss whether to impose penalties on Israel amid growing pressure from capitals to take action to end the bloodshed. An options paper, first obtained by POLITICO, reveals Kallas will ask foreign ministers whether there is sufficient support to scale back cooperation with Israel on trade and other key areas.
Last month, a review by the bloc’s foreign service concluded “there are indications that Israel would be in breach of its human rights obligations” under the terms of an EU-Israel association agreement.
