BRUSSELS: European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Tuesday that the recent escalation in the Israel-Palestine conflict led to the displacement of nearly 150,000 people in the Gaza Strip.
After an informal meeting of foreign ministers from EU member states, Borrell emphasised the need for greater humanitarian support in Gaza, Anadolu Agency reported.
Borrell highlighted the increasing casualty count in Gaza, noting, “150,000 people are internally displaced, and the humanitarian situation is dire.”
The EU ministers reaffirmed their stance on various issues, including “the release of hostages, the protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law – meaning no obstruction of access to water, food, or electricity for the civilian population in Gaza, establishment of open humanitarian corridors, and facilitation of escape for those fleeing the bombing in Gaza.”
As of Tuesday, the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza has reached 900, including at least 260 children and 200 women, according to the Gaza-based Health Ministry. They reported that the number of wounded has surpassed 4,500.
According to the Israeli Health Ministry, at least 1,200 Israelis have been killed and over 2,806 others wounded in the fighting.
Israel has also severed water and electricity supplies to Gaza, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the blockaded enclave.
Home to nearly 2.2 million people, the Gaza Strip has been under a severe Israeli siege since 2007.
The recent clashes in Palestine involving Hamas, the ruling authority in Gaza, and the Israeli regime have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives on both sides since Oct 7. – BERNAMA -ANADOLU
