Key Points:
- Israeli airstrikes kill 60 in Gaza amid escalating humanitarian crisis.
- France, Canada, and the UK threaten sanctions over Israel’s “insufficient” aid access.
- EU debates reviewing its trade deal with Israel over human rights concerns.
- UNRWA warns Gaza faces its worst crisis since October 2023, with “only bombs” entering the enclave.
- Israel’s far-right finance minister accuses Western allies of “hypocrisy” and antisemitism.
Escalating Violence and Aid Blockade
Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 60 Palestinians in Gaza over the past 24 hours, as international pressure mounts over Tel Aviv’s restrictions on humanitarian aid. Despite Israel’s partial easing of the blockade this week, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the move “totally insufficient,” accusing the government of turning Gaza into a “death trap” through indiscriminate violence and aid obstruction. France, alongside Canada and the UK, has threatened sanctions unless Israel fully lifts the siege. The threats come amid reports of a deepening famine crisis in Gaza, with the UN warning of catastrophic food shortages and disease outbreaks.
EU Divided Over Trade Agreement Review
EU foreign ministers convened in Brussels to discuss a Dutch-led proposal to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a pact granting Israel preferential trade terms. France, Ireland, and the UK back the review, citing concerns over Israel’s compliance with human rights obligations. However, Germany opposes the measure, urging patience and diplomacy. A decision to suspend the agreement would mark a historic shift in EU-Israel relations, though analysts say consensus remains unlikely. The bloc’s internal divisions reflect broader global fractures over the war, with over 37,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023.
UNRWA: “Nowhere Is Safe”
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) condemned Israel’s blockade, stating, “The only thing entering Gaza right now are bombs.” Over 85% of Gaza’s population 1.9 million people are displaced, with hospitals overwhelmed and clean water scarce. UNRWA’s latest report highlights that less than 10% of needed aid has reached Gaza since January, exacerbating malnutrition rates among children. The agency’s warnings align with recent findings of mass starvation, as Israel continues to restrict aid trucks at border crossings.
Smotrich Accuses West of “Rewarding Terrorism”
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right leader, lashed out at France, Canada, and the UK for their criticism, calling their threats “moral hypocrisy” and antisemitic. He specifically criticized their support for Palestinian statehood, claiming it “rewards terrorism.” Smotrich’s remarks underscore Israel’s hardening stance under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, which rejects a two-state solution. The Biden administration, while critical of Israel’s tactics, continues military aid but faces mounting domestic pressure to curb support.
Humanitarian Catastrophe Deepens
Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins, with 70% of homes destroyed and 1.5 million people sheltering in makeshift tents. The World Health Organization reports that 95% of Gaza’s children face acute food insecurity, while waterborne diseases like cholera threaten to overwhelm remaining medical facilities. Despite sporadic aid deliveries, Israeli inspections and bureaucratic delays stall critical supplies. The UN estimates rebuilding Gaza could take decades and cost over $40 billion, though ongoing strikes render recovery impossible.
What’s Next?
With Western allies increasingly vocal, the focus turns to whether threats will translate into action. The EU’s potential trade review and U.S. election-year politics could reshape Gaza’s trajectory. Meanwhile, Egypt plans to host ceasefire talks, though Hamas insists on a permanent truce and Israeli withdrawal, conditions that Netanyahu rejects. As the war enters its ninth month, Gaza’s civilians remain trapped in a cycle of violence and deprivation, with no end in sight.
