EU ministers discuss deal with Israel to increase Gaza aid

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.

The ministers also discussed Iran’s nuclear program, developments in Georgia and Moldova, and the EU’s upcoming 18th sanctions package on Russia. Tensions remain over oil price caps meant to reduce Moscow’s energy revenue.

Amid rising public pressure over Israel’s actions in Gaza, several member states, including Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain, have urged a reassessment of EU-Israel relations. A European Commission report cited “indications” of Israeli human rights violations, reports UNB. 

“The humanitarian deal announced last week shows that the Association Agreement review and use of EU leverage has worked," said one European diplomat.