Von der Leyen: Israel must fulfill promises to the EU regarding Gaza

BRUSSELS (ANP) – EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas has made an agreement with Israel that more goods will be allowed into Gaza and that humanitarian aid would be restarted. Despite these promises, Palestinian civilians are still being killed while trying to reach humanitarian aid.

“The images from Gaza are unbearable,” writes Von der Leyen. “The EU reiterates its call for a free, safe, and rapid flow of humanitarian aid. And for full compliance with international and humanitarian law.”

Earlier this week, European countries sharply condemned the situation in Gaza in a public letter.

If the agreements are not adhered to, “all options” from the EU are still on the table, Kallas said earlier. She made the agreements with Israel because the country is not adhering to the conditions for protecting human rights, which were agreed upon in the association agreement with the EU. These options range from (partially) suspending the agreement to withdrawing trade benefits. The EU foreign ministers are divided on taking measures against Israel.

When discussions about possible consequences will take place is still unclear. The issue will be discussed at the end of August when EU foreign ministers meet in Copenhagen, said a spokesperson for the European Commission.

(July 22, 2025)