European Commission – Press release
Brussels, 16 October 2023
Following the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas terrorists against Israel and the aftermath, which has led to a disastrous humanitarian situation for the people of Gaza, the EU continues to step up its emergency assistance to the Palestinian people. The EU is now launching an EU Humanitarian Air Bridge operation consisting of several flights to Egypt to bring lifesaving supplies to humanitarian organisations on the ground in Gaza.
The first two flights will take place this week, carrying humanitarian cargo from UNICEF including shelter items, medicines and hygiene kits.
This operation via the European Humanitarian Response Capacity will facilitate the delivery of assistance to people in need in Gaza. Additional emergency items from EU emergency stockpiles are available and ready to be deployed to our humanitarian partners as soon as requested.
As announced by President von der Leyen this weekend, the EU tripled its humanitarian assistance to over €75 million to support civilians in need in Gaza. The funding will be channelled through selected EU humanitarian partners operating on the ground taking into account capacity and access.
Background
The EU has been providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need since 2000, supporting vulnerable families affected by emergencies and shocks.
EU humanitarian aid is exclusively channelled through registered humanitarian organisations, including UN agencies, international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international organisations such as the Red Cross/Crescent family. Our partner organisations are required to follow the highest standards, including strict reporting requirements and are subject to monitoring and inspection from EU humanitarian experts.
Furthermore, EU humanitarian aid is always provided on the basis of the humanitarian principles: impartiality, neutrality, independence and humanity.
For More Information: Factsheet Palestine
European Humanitarian Response Capacity
IP/23/5051
“The catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is about to reach breaking point. Desperately needed fuel, water, food and medicine must reach people trapped in Gaza immediately. The Rafah border crossing must be opened without further delay. To provide further support to the humanitarian partner organisations on the ground, the EU is also launching its humanitarian air bridge operation to Egypt, flying in lifesaving supplies. In line with International Humanitarian Law, the warring parties are obliged to protect civilians and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians. Once the supplies reach Gaza, it is imperative that the humanitarian workers are able to do their work, which is to deliver assistance to those in need and save lives. The safety of humanitarian staff to bring these supplies to people in need without any impediments must be ensured.” Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management – 16/10/2023
© European Union, 2023
Editor, Andreea Gudin
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