The European Union Calls for Enabling International NGOs to Work in Palestine

Translation by SadaNews - The European Union's foreign policy commissioner, Kaja Kallas, urged Israel to allow international NGOs to operate freely in Palestine, emphasizing that these organizations are the backbone of delivering life-saving humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. The statement clarified that without these organizations, aid cannot be delivered at the required speed and scale to prevent further loss of life.

The statement noted that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening as winter approaches, with Palestinians facing heavy rains and dropping temperatures without safe shelter, while children remain out of school and medical facilities barely operate with limited resources and staff.

In its conclusions dated December 18, the European Council welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 regarding the establishment of a peace council and a temporary international stabilization force, as outlined in the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza. The Council called on all parties to fully implement the resolution in accordance with the relevant principles of international law, reaffirming its commitment to contribute to the implementation.

The European Council emphasized the necessity of delivering humanitarian aid quickly, safely, and unimpeded, on a large scale within Gaza, demanding Israel not to enforce the current registration law for NGOs.

The statement confirmed that the delivery of aid depends on ensuring access, and that international humanitarian law obliges all parties to the conflict to allow the rapid and unimpeded passage of essential humanitarian assistance.