The European Commission on Tuesday reiterated its position that Gaza must be an integral part of a future Palestinian state, emphasizing the urgency of facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid and achieving a sustainable ceasefire in the war-torn enclave.
Speaking at the midday briefing, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said that the situation on the ground in Gaza “remains unbearable,” calling for urgent efforts to ensure humanitarian access and de-escalation.
“That’s why it’s very positive that the United Nations (UN) and Israel reached an agreement on access to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” she said, adding that although there are “positive developments in some key parameters,” much more needs to be done.
Hipper stressed that the European Union’s (EU) position is clear: “It is clear here that Gaza must be an integral part of a future Palestinian state.”
She emphasized that the bloc firmly rejects all attempts to change the demographic or geographic status of the territory, including “when it comes to the Israeli occupation of Gaza.”
Asked why EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is silent about Gaza, Hipper replied that she “has been extremely vocal,” pointing to public statements and posts on social media.
Responding to a question on whether Kallas believes famine is present in the Palestinian enclave, Hipper did not directly confirm but said: “The High Representative has been very clear and has strongly responded to the situation when it comes to killings, humanitarian catastrophes. The unbearable images we have seen are indefensible.”
Israel has killed more than 60.000 people in Gaza since October 2023, according to health authorities.
Ongoing air and ground attacks have devastated the enclave, and the blockade and poor aid distribution have led to extreme food shortages, resulting in deaths from starvation. The Ministry of Health states that at least 188 people, including 94 children, have died from malnutrition since the beginning of the war nearly two years ago.
