EU Presses Israel for Immediate, Unimpeded Aid Access to Gaza as Winter Flooding Worsens

The European Union on Saturday called on Israel to give aid organizations urgent access to the Gaza Strip, where heavy rains in recent weeks have flooded tens of thousands of tents housing displaced Palestinians.

"The severe flooding and winter conditions that have struck Gaza are further aggravating the living conditions of an already exhausted population, exacerbating unsafe conditions and human suffering," the EU said in a statement. The appeal came a day after more than 50 countries and organizations sent a letter demanding that Israel allow more winter supplies into the enclave.

"We urge Israel to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance and early recovery support at scale, and to reopen all Gaza border crossings," the statement said.

COGAT, the Israeli body that coordinates aid to Palestinians, said last week that it had stepped up efforts to improve sanitary conditions in Gaza ahead of the heavy rain, working with international organizations. On Friday it said more than 93,000 tents and 8,600 trucks carrying winter supplies and other essential equipment had entered the Strip. Israel has argued that allegations it is blocking sufficient supplies divert attention from what it calls Hamas's responsibility.

Hamas municipal and civil defense officials have said they cannot cope with the storm because of fuel shortages and damaged equipment. They said hundreds of vehicles, including bulldozers and water pumps, were destroyed during the war, and that Israel has barred construction equipment from entering throughout the ceasefire. Israel is reportedly still refusing entry of so-called dual-use items, saying they could be exploited or weaponized by Hamas and other terror groups.

Israel said this week that the military and COGAT had approved more than 850 requests covering tens of thousands of trucks carrying winter-specific supplies, including shelter, water, sanitation and healthcare items. It said roughly half of those approved requests have not been fulfilled because the UN and international organizations have yet to move the equipment into Gaza, partly due to logistical and budgetary challenges unrelated to Israel.

The EU statement also demanded that Israel "enable the work of the UN and its agencies, and humanitarian organizations including NGOs, and comply with all its obligations under international law." It added that "aid should be solely used for peaceful uses and not diverted by armed groups," a reference to accusations by Israel and international organizations that Hamas and other groups have stolen aid and sold it to civilians for profit.

Noting that a year has passed since the ceasefire was announced while military strikes continue, the EU lamented shortages of essentials such as shelter, medicine and medical equipment, which it said have left Gazans without acceptable and dignified living conditions. It reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution and urged all actors to honor UN Security Council resolution 2803, which endorsed the US-backed Board of Peace's ceasefire and Gaza peace plan, including the disarmament of Hamas, a full Israeli withdrawal and a civilian transition in Gaza.

"Hamas should not have any role in the future governance of Gaza," the EU concluded. Diplomatic talks on disarming Hamas and withdrawing Israeli forces have stalled in recent months, and Board of Peace officials have indicated they expect little progress before Israel forms a government following its October 27 national election, which has so far produced none.