Manila: The European Union (EU) on Monday emphasized the need to ‘put pressure’ to end the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza amid the blockade of humanitarian aid there. Speaking at a presser during her working visit to the Philippines, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas highlighted the obstruction of some EU-funded aid to the besieged enclave.

According to Philippines News Agency, Kallas mentioned that the EU is actively communicating with Israeli counterparts to resolve the blockade and facilitate aid delivery. She emphasized that the aid is primarily funded by the European Union and stressed the unacceptable loss of life and suffering, urging for immediate action to alleviate the situation.

Israel had previously eased the blockade on the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip on May 18 after an 11-week restriction. However, the United Nations (UN) pointed out on June 1 the necessity for ‘safe and unhindered access’ to ensure aid reaches Gaza, advocating for the lifting of the blockade as a crucial step to prevent mass starvation, particularly affecting one million children.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), described the distribution of aid in Gaza as a ‘death trap,’ referencing reports from international medical staff. The UN has recorded at least 31 deaths and over 150 injuries among civilians queuing for aid distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by Israel and the United States, which reportedly circumvents existing aid agencies.

Kallas reiterated the EU’s support for a two-state solution, the cessation of hostilities, an immediate ceasefire, and the release of hostages from Gaza. ‘We are trying to push the parties into that agreement,’ she stated.