EU Expresses Grave Concern Over Humanitarian Crisis in Northern Gaza

BRUSSELS: The European Union's top diplomat has raised alarms over the dire humanitarian conditions in northern Gaza, citing severe impacts from ongoing military operations by Israeli forces. Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, highlighted the urgent need for unobstructed humanitarian aid access to the region to prevent widespread starvation and further civilian casualties. According to Kuwait News Agency, Borrell's press statement on Wednesday detailed the consequences of the large-scale Israeli air and ground offensive against Hamas that began in early October. The operations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including women and children, and have caused significant damage to infrastructure, including the destruction of UN shelters and critical damage to hospitals such as the Indonesian Al-Awda Hospital, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Borrell expressed concern over the repeated displacement orders for the re maining 400,000 residents of Northern Gaza, many of whom face uncertainty and fear for their safety due to a lack of secure locations within the region. He emphasized that essential aid routes into Northern Gaza have been disrupted, leaving the population without necessary food supplies for over two weeks. In concert with UN Special Coordinator Tor, Borrell called for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilians and enhanced protection measures for displaced individuals. Borrell further reported on the grave humanitarian situation as documented by various UN agencies, including the UNDP, UNRWA, WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA. These agencies have highlighted the alarming mortality rates among children and the denial of basic human rights such as access to food, water, and healthcare. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned about the critical shortages of fuel and medical supplies in hospitals, a concern echoed by Borrell, who urged for the safeguarding of healthcare facilities. Additionally, Bor rell called for a thorough and independent investigation into alleged international humanitarian law violations, stressing the necessity of accountability and the enforcement of the International Court of Justice's legally binding orders.