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Tuesday, May 13, 2025
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EU Rejects Militarisation of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza Amid Calls for Review of Israel Relations
The Netherlands joins EU in opposing Israel's plan to control humanitarian aid distribution, citing violations of international law.
Brussels – The European Union has formally rejected Israel's proposal to take over the distribution of humanitarian aid to Gaza, reaffirming its urgent appeal for the immediate lifting of the blockade of the territory.
This development follows a statement from the United Nations regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the Dutch government, traditionally one of Israel’s staunch allies, now advocating for an urgent review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, citing “clear violations of humanitarian law.”
The joint statement by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and Commissioners Hadja Lahbib and Dubravka Suica did not address Israel's plans for prolonged occupation in Gaza, which could potentially jeopardize the long-standing two-state solution endorsed by the EU. Instead, the officials expressed concern regarding Israel's militarisation of humanitarian aid, echoing sentiments shared by several international organizations.
For over two months, beginning March 2, Israel has restricted the entry of essential food and supplies into Gaza, a situation that worsened following the collapse of a ceasefire.
The World Food Program and UNRWA have raised alarms about the imminent depletion of food resources, indicating that 92% of children aged between 6 and 23 months and pregnant and lactating women are not meeting their nutritional needs.
Reports detail widespread shortages of clean water, with resumed looting of warehouses exacerbating the crisis, as aid remains trapped at the border under Israeli military control.
The EU statement emphasized that “Tons of aid, representing three months’ supplies for a population of 2.2 million people, are waiting at the border.” It reiterated that Israel, identified as the occupying power, is obligated to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
However, the plan submitted by Israel to the United Nations proposes outsourcing distribution to private security firms, strictly regulating it to specific areas under Israeli control, which has raised significant concerns from the EU regarding its alignment with humanitarian principles.
The three EU Commissioners reiterated that humanitarian aid must not be politicised or militarised, and using aid as a tool of warfare violates international law.
In an unexpected move, the Dutch government, which has previously shown reluctance to scrutinize Israel’s actions, sent a letter to the EU High Representative advocating for an urgent review of the Association Agreement, which governs economic relations with Israel and mandates respect for democratic principles and human rights under Article 2.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, characterized the blockade as “catastrophic, truly desolate,” and emphasized its violation of international humanitarian law.
Veldkamp highlighted the expectation that the matter would be addressed at an informal gathering of EU foreign ministers in Poland, alongside previous calls made by Spain and Ireland.
The Dutch minister stated that the government is prepared to veto any extension of the EU-Israel Action Plan linked to the Association Agreement, which has been in effect since 2000.
This development follows a statement from the United Nations regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the Dutch government, traditionally one of Israel’s staunch allies, now advocating for an urgent review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, citing “clear violations of humanitarian law.”
The joint statement by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and Commissioners Hadja Lahbib and Dubravka Suica did not address Israel's plans for prolonged occupation in Gaza, which could potentially jeopardize the long-standing two-state solution endorsed by the EU. Instead, the officials expressed concern regarding Israel's militarisation of humanitarian aid, echoing sentiments shared by several international organizations.
For over two months, beginning March 2, Israel has restricted the entry of essential food and supplies into Gaza, a situation that worsened following the collapse of a ceasefire.
The World Food Program and UNRWA have raised alarms about the imminent depletion of food resources, indicating that 92% of children aged between 6 and 23 months and pregnant and lactating women are not meeting their nutritional needs.
Reports detail widespread shortages of clean water, with resumed looting of warehouses exacerbating the crisis, as aid remains trapped at the border under Israeli military control.
The EU statement emphasized that “Tons of aid, representing three months’ supplies for a population of 2.2 million people, are waiting at the border.” It reiterated that Israel, identified as the occupying power, is obligated to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
However, the plan submitted by Israel to the United Nations proposes outsourcing distribution to private security firms, strictly regulating it to specific areas under Israeli control, which has raised significant concerns from the EU regarding its alignment with humanitarian principles.
The three EU Commissioners reiterated that humanitarian aid must not be politicised or militarised, and using aid as a tool of warfare violates international law.
In an unexpected move, the Dutch government, which has previously shown reluctance to scrutinize Israel’s actions, sent a letter to the EU High Representative advocating for an urgent review of the Association Agreement, which governs economic relations with Israel and mandates respect for democratic principles and human rights under Article 2.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, characterized the blockade as “catastrophic, truly desolate,” and emphasized its violation of international humanitarian law.
Veldkamp highlighted the expectation that the matter would be addressed at an informal gathering of EU foreign ministers in Poland, alongside previous calls made by Spain and Ireland.
The Dutch minister stated that the government is prepared to veto any extension of the EU-Israel Action Plan linked to the Association Agreement, which has been in effect since 2000.
