FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – As Israel escalates its military operations in Gaza, European leaders are voicing concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis, urging Israel to change course and allow aid to reach civilians.
European Council President Antonio Costa called the situation a “humanitarian tragedy” on Saturday, demanding Israel lift the blockade and ensure swift access to aid. “International law is being systematically violated,” he said, pressing for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.
A joint statement issued Friday by Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovenia, and Spain echoed the concerns, warning of imminent starvation for thousands in Gaza. “We will not be silent in front of the man-made humanitarian catastrophe taking place before our eyes,” the statement read, urging Israel to fully lift the blockade.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, speaking at the Arab League Summit in Baghdad, called for global pressure to stop what he termed Israel’s “massacre in Gaza.” He said Spain would push for a UN resolution on aid access.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp also criticized Israel’s actions, with Veldkamp calling for an EU review of Israel’s compliance with its trade agreement. EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the issue on May 20.
The Israeli military confirmed Friday it had intensified airstrikes and expanded ground operations in Gaza. Since March 18, renewed fighting has killed over 3,100 Palestinians, with the overall death toll exceeding 53,000 since October 2023, according to health authorities in Gaza.
UN officials have urged Israel to allow aid deliveries, noting that 160,000 pallets of humanitarian goods remain blocked from entering Gaza.