Israel and EU strike major deal to boost Gaza aid access
New agreement includes reopening of key crossings, fuel deliveries, and repairs to vital infrastructure
Israel and the European Union have reached a major agreement to significantly expand the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, with a surge in daily supplies expected in the coming days as conditions in the territory continue to deteriorate.
Israel confirmed the deal on Thursday, saying it would mean “more trucks, more crossings, and more routes.”
The agreement, brokered by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, will see the reopening of several aid corridors, including routes through Egypt and Jordan, and the restoration of multiple crossing points in both the north and south of the territory.
Fuel deliveries for humanitarian use are also set to resume, alongside repairs to critical infrastructure such as the power supply to a water desalination site.
According to a Bloomberg report citing a source familiar with the negotiations, the aim is to ease access and speed up delivery to areas facing severe shortages. Public kitchens and bakeries across Gaza are also expected to resume operations under the agreement.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Kallas confirmed: “The EU stands ready to coordinate with all relevant humanitarian stakeholders, UN agencies and NGOs on the ground, to ensure swift implementation of those urgent steps.”
She added: “The EU calls again for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and supports the current efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States of America as mediators.”
Speaking at a press conference in Vienna, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed the agreement, saying that Israel’s security cabinet had approved additional measures following dialogue with EU counterparts. “The resolutions include more trucks, more crossings, and more routes for the humanitarian efforts,” he said.
Sa’ar also thanked his Austrian and German counterparts for what he called a “fruitful dialogue” on humanitarian access, and said the discussions would continue based on “an understanding of human needs and of the threat that Hamas and the Gaza Strip have posed to Israel over the past 20 years.”
The current aid distribution mechanism is operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by both Israel and the United States. However, the foundation has faced international criticism for failing to adequately address needs on the ground. It remains unclear under which body the expanded relief effort will now be administered.
While full operational details remain unclear, the EU’s announcement signals a shift in the international response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
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