As a flotilla of militant ships loaded with humanitarian aid left European shores in recent days in hopes of opening a corridor to the Gaza Strip, a spokesperson for the European Commission reiterated on Monday 8 September that, for the EU institution, the most effective way to ensure large-scale distribution remains the use of its partner organisations and the delivery channels negotiated with Israel.
“We don’t encourage flotillas like this because basically they can escalate the situation and they also put their participants at risk”, said Eva Hrncirova. And she added: “But, on the other hand, it doesn’t mean there are justifiable attacks on such flotillas”.
The spokesperson said that the EU was continually urging Israel not to hinder the logistics of aid distribution.
“We try to increase the number of trucks that are getting into Gaza. And we mainly try to stop the suffering of people. As in any other job, there is a way to deliver humanitarian aid, that’s why we work with experienced partners”.
Faced with a perplexed press, in view of the continuing crisis in the enclave, a spokesman for the European External Action Service also emphasised the EU’s unique commitment, compared to other players, to working to end the conflict and ensure the delivery of necessary aid.
Meeting in plenary session this week in Strasbourg, members of the European Parliament are expected to debate once again measures against the Israeli government that the EU has been considering for several months (see EUROPE 13701/5). (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)