EU foreign policy chief urges Israel to ease Gaza blockade

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Thursday issued a resounding condemnation of the dire situation unfolding in Gaza, labeling it as a "failure of humanity."

Talking to the media at the doorsteps of the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Borrell underscored the frustration caused by the closure of Gaza's airport and the proximity of Ashkelon port, which remains inaccessible.

"Stop preventing the food to come into Gaza and take care of the civilians, because not all of them are Hamas," he stressed.

Despite these obstacles, Borrell revealed that efforts to deliver food aid are underway, albeit hindered by limited access and insufficient resources.

"There are no words to depict the situation in Gaza and I am happy that the Council today is going to approve conclusions which go much further than the first conclusion in October when we said humanitarian poses.

"Today, the council is much further supporting asking for a sustainable cease-fire, certainly asking also for the freedom of hostages. Needless to say, condemn the attack while also showing a strong concern for the situation of the people in Gaza, which is all unacceptable," he added.

Borrell highlighted the critical need for increased support to enter Gaza, citing the obstacles posed by the closure of essential entry points.

"The only way to halt the worsening humanitarian crisis is for Israel to facilitate the passage of vital aid and supplies into Gaza," Borrell asserted, his words laden with urgency.

"People, especially children, are suffering gravely from starvation and a lack of access to essential medicines," Borrell lamented, painting a harrowing picture of the dire circumstances faced by Gaza's civilians.

Expressing hope for a resolute response from the international community, Borrell called upon countries to send a clear message to Israel to end its blockade and prioritize the well-being of Gaza's civilian population.