EU leaders urge Israel to end blockade after school attack
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has condemned the Israeli attack on a school in the Gaza Strip, describing it as "repulsive". She has urged Israel to lift the blockade on humanitarian aid.
What do you need to know?
- Israeli attack on a school in the Gaza Strip: The attack resulted in 52 deaths, including 33 children. The school served as a shelter for refugees.
- Reaction of Ursula von der Leyen: The President of the European Commission condemned Israel's actions, emphasising that the escalation of violence is not consistent with international law.
- Humanitarian situation: Aid organisations are warning about the critical state of medical supplies and medication in the Gaza Strip.
What are the consequences of the attack on the school?
President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her outrage after Israel's attack on a school in the Gaza Strip, which was serving as a shelter for Palestinians.
Von der Leyen emphasised that such actions are "repulsive" and called on Israel to lift the blockade on humanitarian aid.
What does Israel say about its actions?
The Israeli army claims that the target of the attack was a Hamas command centre located on the school grounds. Von der Leyen reminded that the European Commission has always supported Israel's right to self-defence. However, she noted that this escalation and disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified by humanitarian and international law.
Israel must immediately restore the delivery of aid in accordance with humanitarian principles, with the participation of the UN and other international humanitarian partners, emphasised the head of the European Commission.
What are the effects of the humanitarian blockade?
The blockade of the Gaza Strip has been ongoing for 11 weeks, significantly worsening the humanitarian situation. Aid organisations are warning that medical supplies and medications are running low. The World Health Organization states that 42 per cent of basic medications and vaccines are almost completely depleted.
The conflict in the Gaza Strip has been ongoing since 7 October 2023, when Hamas invaded southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. According to the Israeli army, 23 hostages remain in captivity, and the bodies of 35 people are also held. More than 53,900 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to the health ministry of the Gaza Strip.
