EU Announces €120 Million Aid Package for Gaza Following Ceasefire Agreement

AFP | Berlin

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The European Union has pledged €120 million ($123 million) in new humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip, a day after the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The European Commission, the EU's executive body, revealed that this latest package brings the bloc’s total humanitarian assistance to Gaza to over €450 million since the start of 2023. This includes deliveries of more than 3,800 tonnes of aid through EU-coordinated flights.

"Today we are also adopting a package of €120 million for Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis there," stated EU spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova during a press briefing. The aid will focus on providing food, healthcare, shelter, and access to clean water, the Commission added in a statement.

Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for unimpeded access to Gaza, where severe shortages of food and medical supplies have exacerbated the dire living conditions. Leaders worldwide have urged the truce to ensure smoother delivery of aid.

Anouar El Anouni, an EU spokesman, expressed hope that the ceasefire would pave the way for significantly improved humanitarian access in Gaza. “We hope aid can be effectively distributed to those in need,” he said.

In Brussels, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa is meeting senior EU officials to discuss the crisis. On Thursday, he held talks with EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib, who emphasized the urgent needs in Gaza and the West Bank. Meetings with European Council President António Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas are scheduled to follow.

This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions, as the ceasefire deal, brokered by Qatar and the United States, appears fragile. Israeli officials have accused Hamas of reneging on certain terms of the agreement, raising concerns about its durability.

For more updates on the evolving situation, visit our dedicated coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict.