Belgium's Minister for Development Cooperation Caroline Gennez has called on Israel to immediately open its border crossings with Gaza to facilitate the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies to the besieged Palestinian enclave.
"The Rafah border crossing [with Egypt] is the only lifeline for Palestinians in Gaza at the moment," Gennez said. "But this is far from enough... Before the war, an average of 10,000 trucks carrying humanitarian aid arrived in Gaza every month. Since 21 October, there have barely been 1,000 of them." Israel says that the crossings from its side of the border were damaged by Hamas at it surprise terrorist attack on 7 October.
"That is why I am asking my European colleagues to call together on Israel to reopen the Erez and Kerem Shalom border crossings, which are able to accommodate many more goods deliveries," she added.
Minister for Development Cooperation Caroline Gennez. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Gennez also reiterated her call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza to alleviate the "indescribable" suffering of the Palestinian people. She did not mention that Hamas, also according to the EU, is using civilians as human shields.
She also expressed dismay at the "uncertainty" felt by the families of the 240 Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas, the armed group which controls the Gaza Strip. Hamas is designated a terrorist organisation by the EU.
"Humanitarian access must be guaranteed at all times," she said. "The deprivation of electricity, water, food and medical assistance is a flagrant violation of international law, even in times of war."
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"It is inhumane to provide help for a few days, and then close everything again, so that citizens can live long enough before dying under the rubble," she added.
Earlier this week, Gennez announced that Belgium will send €1 million in medical aid to Gaza by the end of this month.
The shipment will aim to address medical shortages previously detailed by the Egyptian authorities. It will include surgical instruments, orthopaedic equipment (e.g. wheelchairs and crutches), medicine, and supplies for patients with respiratory problems.
