European Union Demands Israel Reopen Gaza Border Crossings for Humanitarian Aid

The European Union called on Israel to reopen all border crossings into the Gaza Strip on November 15, 2026. The European Union requested the immediate and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to address the growing crisis. This demand comes as military strikes have continued for one year since a ceasefire was announced.

Humanitarian crisis and protection of civilians

The European Union expressed grave concern regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to officials, flooding and winter conditions are contributing to the deterioration of conditions for the population. The European Union described a recent airstrike on Nasser Hospital as deeply alarming. The European Union emphasized that international law and international humanitarian law must be respected at all times.

The European Union called for the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, medical personnel, and healthcare facilities. To facilitate relief efforts, the European Union urged Israel to allow the work of the United Nations, its agencies, and non-governmental organizations in Gaza. The European Union also warned that humanitarian aid must be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and must not be diverted to armed groups.

Political governance and military withdrawal

The European Union called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. The European Union also called for the establishment of a civilian administration in Gaza. Regarding the future political landscape, the European Union stated that Hamas must not have any role in the future governance of Gaza. The European Union stated that Hamas and other non-state armed groups must be permanently disarmed.

The European Union called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The European Union reiterated its support for a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.

Ongoing conflict and international law

The European Union noted that military strikes have continued for one year after a ceasefire was announced. The European Union stressed the need to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians and medical facilities. The European Union urged Israel to reopen all crossings and allow unimpeded humanitarian aid entry to mitigate the impact of the current environmental and military conditions.

Glossary

• international humanitarian law — International humanitarian law is a body of law that must be respected at all times. It involves the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, medical personnel, and healthcare facilities.
• United Nations — The United Nations is an international organization. Its agencies work to facilitate relief efforts and provide humanitarian assistance.
• Hamas — Hamas is a non-state armed group. The group must not have any role in the future governance of Gaza and must be permanently disarmed.