European Commissioner: Aid to Gaza must flow like a torrent, not drop by drop

The European Union Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said that humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip "must flow like a torrent, not drop by drop."

This came in a talk to journalists on Monday, during a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels, where she addressed the Israeli restrictions imposed on the entry of aid into Gaza.

Lahbib noted that Palestinians are still being killed daily despite the ceasefire agreement.

She pointed out that she visited Egypt two weeks ago and was not allowed (by Israel) to enter Gaza, and to the detention of hundreds of aid trucks at the Rafah border crossing.

Lahbib had previously stated that she intended to enter Gaza during her visit to Egypt, but Israel rejected her request to cross.

She emphasized that relief workers face many administrative obstacles to deliver aid to the sector.

She noted that needs in Gaza increase particularly during the winter months, and added: "Aid to Gaza must flow like a torrent, not drop by drop."

Despite the ceasefire in effect since October 10, which Israel continues to violate, the living reality for Palestinians in Gaza has not improved due to the strict restrictions Israel imposes on the entry of aid trucks, violating the humanitarian protocol of the agreement.

On the Syrian front, Lahbib said that humanitarian aid for Syria will also be discussed during the meeting.

She indicated that 16 million people in Syria still need assistance.

She mentioned that they will discuss ways to increase their contributions in Syria through humanitarian aid and development.