The European Union has called for Israel to reopen all Gaza border crossings and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid in response to severe flooding affecting the territory. The statement, released by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, emphasized the need to protect civilian infrastructure and medical facilities in Gaza.
The EU’s call comes amid ongoing military operations in Gaza. An Israeli drone strike on Saturday killed two Palestinians in Jabaliya according to hospital officials, with Israeli military stating the targets were Hamas operatives. Additionally, an Israeli air attack on Thursday at the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza resulted in at least six Palestinian deaths, including a surgeon, with dozens more wounded. The EU specifically cited the Nasser Hospital airstrike as “deeply alarming” and reiterated the need to respect international humanitarian law and protect medical personnel and facilities.
Flooding caused by heavy rain has compounded the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with damage from infrastructure destruction worsening water damage across the territory. Local officials and UN sources reported that over 700 kilometers of Gaza’s sewage network has been destroyed. The UN children’s agency UNICEF reported that heavy rain has directly affected at least 106,000 people in recent days, with displaced Palestinians’ tents submerged and sanitation facilities overflowing in camps.
In its statement, the EU emphasized Israel’s obligation to enable the work of UN agencies and humanitarian organizations while complying with international law, international humanitarian law, and human rights law. The bloc reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution and called for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza alongside sustained humanitarian assistance and early recovery support at scale.
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