By Manal Abdel Fattah
European Union High Representative Josep Borrell commented on the killing of Palestinian citizens while transporting aid supplies, and the injury of many when they were desperately trying to get food from a convoy.
He said in a statement distributed by the European Union Embassy in Egypt that many of them were victims of Israeli army fire during the stampede that followed. Israeli soldiers’ shooting of civilians trying to access food supplies is unjustified.
He called for an impartial international investigation into this tragic event, which would provide a clear picture of the events and responsibilities.
In any case, Israel has a responsibility to comply with the rules of international law and protect the distribution of humanitarian aid to the civilian population.
He said that the responsibility for this incident lies in the restrictions imposed by the Israeli army and the obstruction imposed by violent extremists on the supply of humanitarian aid.
He added that this very serious incident reveals that restrictions imposed on the entry of humanitarian aid contribute to creating scarcity, hunger and disease, and they also contribute to creating a level of despair that leads to violence.
He added that the continued fighting and disregard for international humanitarian law will lead to complete chaos, making the distribution of humanitarian aid impossible.
He stressed that the European Union has repeatedly condemned in the strongest possible terms the brutal terrorist attacks committed by Hamas and other terrorist groups on October 7, 2023.
We have repeatedly affirmed the right of the State of Israel to defend itself within the limits of international humanitarian law, and we will continue to demand the release of all hostages and support the work of… Directly involved in negotiations to achieve this goal.
He stressed that all of this is consistent with the need to restore minimum order and security in Gaza to preserve the humanitarian space.
We condemn the restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of humanitarian aid and on the opening of crossing points. We urge Israel to fully cooperate with UN agencies and other humanitarian actors involved in the humanitarian response and to allow free and unimpeded humanitarian access through all crossing points.
He urged Israel to immediately remove obstacles to the Kerem Shalom crossing, open access to the north at the Karni and Erez crossings, open the port of Ashdod to humanitarian aid and allow direct humanitarian corridor from Jordan. Airdrops should also be the last resort because their effect is minimal and is not without risks to civilians.
It also urged the UN Security Council to call for an urgent cessation of hostilities and reaffirm the absolute necessity of allowing full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in order to provide rapid, massive and adequate assistance in response to the needs of the civilian population in Gaza.
He stressed that there is an urgent need for an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a permanent ceasefire to enable the widespread delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians.
