European Union foreign ministers met in Brussels on Tuesday to review progress on a new humanitarian aid agreement with Israel aimed at easing Gaza’s worsening crisis. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stressed that delivering results on the ground is more important than just signing papers.
The agreement, formed last week with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, promises to increase the flow of food and fuel into Gaza. However, EU officials said aid delivery remains slow and dangerous, and they want to see real changes before calling the deal a success. “Until conditions improve, we haven’t done enough,” said Kallas, while also calling for a ceasefire.
Although full details of the deal remain unclear, the EU rejected involvement with the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund due to safety and ethical concerns. Instead, they plan to open more crossings and possibly install a monitoring station at the Kerem Shalom border to ensure aid reaches those in need.
Public criticism of Israel’s war conduct played a role in pushing the aid deal forward. Some countries, like Spain and Ireland, are urging a review of the EU-Israel relationship. A European Commission report found signs that Israel may be violating human rights under its agreement with the EU, but leaders remain divided on how to respond.
Foreign ministers also discussed Iran’s nuclear plans, issues in Georgia and Moldova, and the EU’s upcoming sanctions package on Russia. Talks continue on setting a cap on Russian oil prices to reduce its wartime revenue.
As the war in Gaza stretches into its 21st month, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Over 58,000 Palestinians have died, many of them women and children, while strikes still threaten aid workers. EU leaders say only a ceasefire can create safe conditions for aid to reach those suffering.