The European Union has called on Israel to immediately reopen all border entry points into Gaza and permit unrestricted access for relief agencies following widespread severe flooding across the enclave. In a statement issued on Saturday by the office of Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, the 27-member bloc emphasized that civilian infrastructure and healthcare institutions must be protected at all times.
Airstrikes Impact Healthcare and Civilians
The diplomatic appeal comes amid ongoing military actions in the territory. On Saturday, an Israeli drone attack killed two Palestinians who were walking along a street in Jabaliya, on the northern edge of Gaza City. Mohamed Abu Selmiya, director of Shifa Hospital, confirmed that the deceased were brought to the medical center, while an American field hospital noted that several other individuals were injured. The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted two Hamas militants operating in the area.
The incident followed an Israeli air attack on Thursday at the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza, which killed at least six Palestinians, including a surgeon, and injured dozens more. Responding to the attack, the European Union described the strike on Nasser Hospital as deeply alarming, reiterating that international humanitarian law strictly mandates the protection of civilians, medical personnel, and healthcare facilities.
Heavy Rains Worsen Living Conditions
The urgent need for relief has been amplified by extreme winter weather, which has compounded damage to Gaza’s infrastructure. Gaza’s media office reported that over 700 kilometers of sewage lines have been destroyed, worsening the severe flooding across the territory. According to the United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF, heavy rains have directly affected at least 106,000 people in recent days, submerging thousands of tents housing displaced families and causing sanitation facilities to overflow.
Addressing the growing crisis, the EU stated that Israel must comply with its international legal obligations by enabling UN bodies and non-governmental organizations to deliver assistance without impediment. The European Union also reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution, calling for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza alongside sustained, large-scale humanitarian aid and early recovery support.
