EU Official Raises Alarm Over Humanitarian Crisis in Northern Gaza Amid Israeli Military Actions

BRUSSELS: The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has voiced deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in northern Gaza following intense military operations by Israeli forces. Borrell highlighted the urgent need for unrestricted humanitarian aid access to the region, which has been heavily impacted by ongoing air and ground offensives. According to Kuwait News Agency, Borrell issued a statement emphasizing the critical nature of the situation, referencing reports of severe civilian casualties, including women and children, and significant damage to infrastructure such as hospitals and UN shelters. He pointed out that the World Health Organization has documented substantial harm to facilities like the Indonesian Al-Awda Hospital. Borrell also drew attention to the plight of 400,000 residents who have been repeatedly displaced and now face orders to evacuate northern Gaza once more. He remarked on the grim reality that many have no pl ace to seek refuge and are trapped by the lack of safe options. He criticized the disruption of crucial aid routes, noting that food supplies have not reached the area for over two weeks. He further aligned with UN Special Coordinator Tor in condemning the attacks on civilians and stressed the necessity to safeguard displaced individuals. Borrell echoed the concerns of various UN agencies, including the UNDP, UNRWA, WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA, which have reported a dire humanitarian crisis with children suffering from a lack of fundamental needs like food, water, and healthcare. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also sounded the alarm over the critical shortages of fuel and medical supplies in Gaza's hospitals. Borrell supported these concerns and reiterated the need to protect healthcare facilities. In his concluding remarks, Borrell called for an independent investigation into potential breaches of international humanitarian law, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to the International Court of Justice's legally binding orders.