Israel's decision to halt Gaza aid could have 'humanitarian consequences,' EU warns

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - The EU warned on Monday that Israel’s decision to halt humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza could have "humanitarian consequences," urging continued negotiations on implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.

Speaking at a daily press briefing in Brussels, European Commission spokesman Anouar El Anouni responded to questions about the Israeli government's move to stop all humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza.

"As for humanitarian aid, Israel's internal decision to block the entry of all humanitarian assistance into Gaza could have humanitarian consequences," he warned.

"We call for a swift resumption of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire and express our firm support for the mediators," El Anouni added.

Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli government halted the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, hours after the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement expired.

Tel Aviv tried to legitimize its inhumane move by claiming that after the first phase of the agreement ended, Hamas rejected a draft proposal for continuing negotiations put forward by US President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and accepted by Israel.

Hamas strongly condemned Israel’s decision to halt humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it a "war crime" and a "blatant blow to the ceasefire agreement."

The agreement had halted Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 48,380 people, mostly women and children, and left the enclave in ruins.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.