EU discuss deal with Israel to increase Gaza aid

AP :

The European Union is seeking updates from Israel regarding the implementation of a new humanitarian aid agreement for Gaza, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Tuesday.

Foreign ministers from the EU’s 27 member states met in Brussels following a deal largely brokered by Kallas and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Saar met with EU leaders on Monday after agreeing last week to allow critically needed food and fuel into the war-torn enclave of 2.3 million people.

“We have reached a common understanding with Israel to really improve the situation on the ground, but it’s not about the paper, but actually implementation of the paper,” Kallas said ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting. “As long as it hasn’t really improved, then we haven’t all done enough,” she added, while urging a ceasefire.

Though full details of the agreement remain undisclosed, EU officials rejected cooperation with the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund, citing ethical and safety concerns.

Instead, they emphasized the need to open more border crossings and allow greater aid flow. Plans are underway to potentially establish a monitoring station at the Kerem Shalom crossing.