Egypt Claims No Increase in Gaza Aid Following Israel-EU Agreement

The flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza remains unchanged despite a recent agreement between Israel and the European Union aimed at improving the situation. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s foreign minister, stated on October 2, 2023, that “nothing has changed (on the ground),” underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the enclave.

This declaration came before an EU-Middle East meeting in Brussels, where the EU’s top diplomat had previously announced plans to enhance Gaza’s humanitarian conditions. On September 28, the agreement was made public, outlining intentions to increase the number of aid trucks and improve access through crossing points and aid routes.

When questioned about the implementation of the agreement, Gideon Saar, Israel’s foreign minister, acknowledged the understanding with the EU but refrained from providing specific details about what actions had been taken. This lack of clarity has raised concerns among neighboring countries regarding the effectiveness of the agreement.

Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, echoed grievances about the situation, describing it as “catastrophic.” He noted that while Israel had permitted the entry of 40 to 50 aid trucks from Jordan a few days before, it was “far from being sufficient” for the needs of the besieged population.

As the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas stated prior to the meeting, there have been some indications of progress regarding aid to Gaza. Nevertheless, she emphasized that the improvements observed are inadequate given the current humanitarian crisis.

A recent report from the United Nations highlighted the dire conditions facing Gaza’s population of approximately 2.3 million. Ongoing military operations and the blockade have resulted in acute food insecurity for many, with nearly half a million individuals at risk of famine by the end of September 2023.

The situation in Gaza continues to draw international attention, with calls for enhanced humanitarian efforts and a reassessment of the existing blockade. As discussions progress in Brussels, the need for actionable steps to address the humanitarian crisis remains urgent and critical.