In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the European Commission has announced a significant new aid package worth €120 million. This marks a continuation of the EU’s unwavering support for Palestinians in need, bringing the total EU humanitarian assistance to Gaza to over €450 million since 2023. This new funding is in addition to the EU’s ongoing Air Bridge Flights, which have delivered over 3,800 tonnes of aid to the region.

Key Areas of Aid

The new package aims to address the urgent needs of Gaza’s population, focusing on critical areas such as:

• Food Assistance: Aimed at alleviating acute food insecurity and preventing further malnutrition.
• Healthcare Support: Ensuring the continuation of healthcare services and the provision of essential medical supplies.
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: Providing access to clean water and sanitation services to improve public health.
• Shelter: Offering safe accommodation for displaced persons in the region.
• Protection: Ensuring the safety and dignity of the most vulnerable groups, especially in conflict-affected areas.

The EU is working closely with key international organizations, including the United Nations and various humanitarian groups, to ensure swift and effective delivery of aid to those who need it most.

European Leadership Speaks Out

President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s commitment to the Palestinian people, stating, “While the ceasefire and hostage release agreement offer hope, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Europe will continue to support Palestinians with €120 million in 2025, along with significant in-kind aid.”

Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, responsible for crisis management and preparedness, echoed these sentiments, saying, “The ceasefire provides a glimmer of hope for Gaza, but our work is far from finished. We urgently need safe and sustained access for humanitarian operations to reach those in critical need. This new package will help address Gaza’s pressing challenges, including food insecurity, shelter, and healthcare.”

Background and Ongoing EU Support

The European Union has been a strong advocate for Palestinian humanitarian aid, providing consistent support to organizations operating in both Gaza and the West Bank. However, the volatile security situation in Gaza has posed significant challenges for aid delivery, restricting the capacity of humanitarian partners to carry out their work effectively. Despite these obstacles, the EU continues to facilitate critical assistance to the region.

In addition to the €120 million aid package, the EU has launched a Humanitarian Air Bridge (HAB), which has conducted over 60 flights to transport vital supplies, including cargo from humanitarian partners and donations from EU Member States. This initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to providing direct and immediate relief to those affected by the ongoing crisis.

Conclusion

The EU’s €120 million aid package for Gaza represents a vital step in addressing the humanitarian needs of the population during this difficult time. Through continued collaboration with international partners, the EU remains determined to support the people of Gaza, offering hope and essential aid for a better future.