EU Expresses Opposition to Aid Flotillas Bound for Gaza
The European Union (EU) stated on Monday that it does not “encourage” aid flotillas heading to Gaza, as several vessels carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, set sail for the conflict-ridden region, reports 24brussels.
EU spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova emphasized that such flotillas could escalate tensions and pose risks to participants. “We don’t encourage flotillas like this, because basically they can escalate the situation, and they also put their participants at risk,” she remarked.
Hrncirova noted that the EU believes the most effective method for delivering humanitarian aid is through partner organizations actively operating in the region. “This is what we try to achieve, to deliver the humanitarian aid on a larger scale, and we keep the channels with Israel open, and we talk to Israeli authorities,” she added.
A flotilla comprising around 20 boats departed from Barcelona last week, aiming to reach Gaza by mid-September. This initiative follows Israel’s obstruction of two previous activist attempts to deliver supplies via ship in June and July.
The United Nations has declared a famine in Gaza, warning that approximately 500,000 individuals face “catastrophic” conditions as Israel continues military actions against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in response to its attacks on October 7, 2023.
While the EU is urging Israel to facilitate increased aid access to Gaza, it faces challenges in applying cohesive pressure due to divisions within the 27-member bloc.
