European Union Demands Israel Reopen Gaza Border Crossings for Humanitarian Aid

The European Union demanded that Israel reopen all Gaza border crossings to provide immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access following devastating floods and ongoing military strikes. The European Union expressed grave concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the situation as persistent and devastating. Kaja Kallas, the Head of European diplomacy, urged Israel to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance and to reopen all border crossings.

Humanitarian crisis and flooding impact

Severe weather conditions have exacerbated the existing crisis in the region. Heavy rains and flooding in Gaza have inundated tens of thousands of tents used by displaced persons. On November 7, 2026, Gaza's Civil Defense declared a state of maximum emergency following storms that flooded approximately 70,000 tents. Unicef reported that at least 106,000 people were directly affected by these recent rains.

The scale of displacement remains significant according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA reported that approximately 1.4 million Palestinians, or 65% of the population in Gaza, live in tents or makeshift shelters. Additionally, the Gaza media office reported that over 700 kilometers of the sewage network has been destroyed.

Military strikes and casualties

Recent military operations have resulted in multiple casualties. The European Union described a recent Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis as deeply alarming. Israeli military forces confirmed the airstrike on Nasser Hospital, stating the target was a high-ranking Hamas official and other members of the armed branch of the group. The Israeli military claimed Hamas uses the Nasser Hospital complex as a command center. Six Palestinians were killed during the bombing of Nasser Hospital.

In Jabaliya, an Israeli drone strike on Saturday killed two Palestinians walking in the area, according to Mohamed Abu Selmiya, the director of Al Shifa Hospital. The Israeli military stated the drone strike in Jabaliya targeted two Hamas fighters. These incidents contribute to a broader pattern of casualties; 1,600 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire was announced more than one year ago.

International legal and political positions

The European Union urged Israel to comply with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803. Furthermore, the European Union stated that Hamas should have no role in the future governance of Gaza.

Glossary

• Gaza — Gaza is a region where a humanitarian crisis exists due to flooding and military strikes. It contains a population where a significant portion lives in tents or makeshift shelters.
• Nasser Hospital — Nasser Hospital is a medical facility located in Khan Younis. It has been the site of Israeli airstrikes.
• Khan Younis — Khan Younis is a city located in the Gaza Strip. It is a location where military strikes and casualties have occurred.
• Hamas — Hamas is a group described by the Israeli military as having an armed branch. It is also identified by Argentina as a terrorist organization.