Brussels, (Unib Rashid) — European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has urged Israel not to block humanitarian organizations through new registration requirements, warning that such measures would worsen the already dire situation in Gaza. “At a time when the people of Gaza need help the most, new restrictions on NGOs will only aggravate the catastrophic conditions,” she said, calling on Israeli authorities to allow all international aid groups to operate freely.

In a joint statement, Canada, the United Kingdom, and numerous EU member states described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “unimaginable,” warning that famine is approaching. The statement stressed that humanitarian aid must never be politicized and that safe, large-scale access must be guaranteed for the UN, international NGOs, and humanitarian partners. It urged Israel to:

Permit all crossings to be used for aid deliveries, including food, water, shelter, fuel, medicines, and medical supplies.

Protect civilians, aid workers, and medical staff, and refrain from using lethal force at distribution sites.

The countries also expressed gratitude to the United States, Qatar, and Egypt for efforts toward a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for an agreement that ends hostilities, secures the release of hostages, and ensures unhindered entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

The statement was signed by Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, along with senior EU officials including the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the EU Commissioners for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis management