The Croatian government has decided to send one million euros ($1.13 million) in aid to the children of Gaza at its session today.
The decision was confirmed by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković at the Croatian government session.
“Today, we will send one million euros in urgent humanitarian aid to the children of Gaza, through UNICEF, given the difficult situation in the Gaza Strip,” Plenković announced.
Croatia voted against a Dutch proposal to review the implementation of the agreement with Israel due to the blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas confirmed on Tuesday after the end of a meeting of foreign ministers that the vast majority of member states support the revision of Article 2 of the Association Agreement with Israel.
This article regulates trade relations between Israel and the EU and stipulates that relations between the parties are based on respect for human rights and democratic values. According to media reports, Germany, Bulgaria, Italy, Greece, Southern Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Lithuania and Hungary were against it.
The request for review should determine whether Israel is violating human rights in the Gaza Strip. EU member states that are in favor of the review believe that the agreement should be suspended until Israel complies with its international obligations. Plenković also commented on the initiative, saying that he thought it was a preliminary discussion.
“What is important is that we stand for peace, that we stand for an end to military actions that have no purpose, but that are causing civilians to suffer. We have already prepared a decision in the government today (Thursday) on further assistance to civilians in Gaza, worth one million euros, which we will send as soon as possible. Relations between the European Union and Israel require a longer period of time and a much more complete and substantive discussion,” said Plenković, Anadolu Agency writes.
