EU Announces Additional Aid for War-Torn Gaza
New Package Brings Total Humanitarian Assistance to Over 450 Million Euros
The European Union has announced a new package of 120 million euros ($123 million) in aid for war-torn Gaza, bringing the total humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian territory to over 450 million euros since 2023. The package is aimed at addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been wracked by hunger and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly urged safe and unhindered aid access.
EU’s Humanitarian Efforts
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, has been working tirelessly to provide aid to Gaza. In addition to the new package, the EU has conducted flights that have delivered over 3,800 tonnes of aid to the region. The aid has included food, healthcare, and shelter assistance, as well as support to allow access to clean water.
Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal
The announcement of the new aid package comes a day after the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar and the United States. However, the agreement appears fragile, with Israel alleging that Hamas is backtracking on certain elements.
EU’s Hope for Improved Aid Access
EU officials are hoping that the ceasefire will allow for vastly improved access for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and that aid can be effectively distributed to those in need. "Today we are also adopting a package of 120 million euros for Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis there," said EU spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova.
Meetings with Palestinian Prime Minister
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa is in Brussels for meetings with senior EU officials, including European Council chief Antonio Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib met with Mustafa earlier in the day, discussing the huge needs in Gaza and the West Bank and how to address them.
Conclusion
The EU’s announcement of additional aid for Gaza is a welcome development, but it is clear that more needs to be done to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The ceasefire and hostage release deal is fragile, and it is crucial that all parties work together to ensure that aid can reach those in need.
FAQs
- What is the total amount of humanitarian assistance provided by the EU to Gaza since 2023?
- Over 450 million euros
- What is the new package of aid announced by the EU?
- 120 million euros ($123 million) in aid for Gaza
- What is the purpose of the new package of aid?
- To address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza
- What is the current situation with the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas?
- The agreement appears fragile, with Israel alleging that Hamas is backtracking on certain elements.