In a statement published on Monday 8 June, a diplomatic coalition of 23 states, including 15 EU Member States, and European Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, expressed their “profound concern” over the ongoing “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The initiative specifically targets the recent rejection by the Israeli High Court of an appeal filed by several international NGOs against a new law tightening registration requirements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (see EUROPE 13815/34).
The signatories warn that this text could “severely limit” response capacity on the ground, and urge Israel “to not implement the [...] law in its current form”.
The statement reiterates that current aid remains “largely insufficient” and denounces a “broader pattern of restrictive measures” by the State of Israel, including bureaucratic hurdles and restrictions on so-called “dual-use” products.
While recognising its “security concerns”, the 23 countries call on Israel to comply with international law in order to ensure the “safe, rapid and unhindered” delivery of humanitarian aid.
Read the joint statement: https://aeur.eu/f/m95 (Original version in French by Justine Manaud)