Gaza: In a speech to the European Parliament, High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas emphasized the pressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the challenges in achieving a united European response. Unlike the situation in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza has exposed divisions within Europe, despite its significant role as the largest humanitarian donor and supporter of the Palestinian Authority and the two-state solution.
According to European Union, Kallas highlighted efforts to negotiate humanitarian understandings with Israel, including direct talks with counterparts to establish specific benchmarks. In August, a significant aid shipment departed from Limassol, Cyprus, with further consignments planned. Despite these efforts, Kallas acknowledged that more needs to be done, expressing gratitude to Cyprus for its contributions.
The European Commission has considered measures such as reviewing Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the Association Agreement and proposing to suspend parts of Horizon. However, there is no consensus among Member States on the next steps. The lack of unity is further complicated by reports of famine in Northern Gaza, security concerns for humanitarian staff, and ongoing conflicts, including in Gaza City.
Kallas stressed the importance of continued diplomatic efforts with the Israeli government and discussed the challenges faced by international NGOs due to restrictive registration requirements. She urged collective responsibility and unity among European nations to uphold European values and address the crisis effectively.
While Member States have taken national measures in response to Israeli actions, a unified European approach remains elusive. Kallas called for solidarity, emphasizing shared goals of ending the suffering, resolving the conflict, and securing the release of hostages. She urged the European Parliament to support efforts to forge a cohesive European strategy, highlighting that unity is essential for amplifying the impact of Member States’ actions in addressing the crisis in Gaza.