EU does not support Gaza aid flotillas, warns they could escalate conflict
The European Union stated on Monday that it doesn’t "encourage" aid flotillas heading to Gaza, as ships carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists, including Greta Thunberg, set sail for the war-torn area.
"We don’t encourage flotillas like this because they can escalate the situation and also put their participants at risk," said EU spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova.
She mentioned that the EU believes the "best way to deliver the humanitarian aid" is through partner organizations working on the ground.
"This is what we aim to achieve, to deliver humanitarian aid on a larger scale, while keeping communication channels with Israel open, and engaging with Israeli authorities," she said.
A flotilla heading to Gaza, consisting of around 20 boats, departed from Barcelona last week and is set to arrive at its destination by mid-September.
This follows Israel’s blocking of two activist attempts to deliver aid to the devastated Palestinian territory by ship in June and July.
The United Nations has declared a famine in Gaza, warning that 500,000 people face "catastrophic" conditions as Israel engages in conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in retaliation for its attacks on October 7, 2023.
The EU is urging Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, but has faced challenges in applying pressure due to divisions within the 27-member bloc.
Technology & Business Editor
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