The European Union (EU) has sounded the alarm over the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where over two months have passed without the entry of humanitarian supplies, in the longest closure the besieged enclave has ever endured.

In a joint statement, the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, and Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation: “The EU reiterates its urgent call on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza immediately”.

It added that humanitarian relief sufficient to cover the needs of Gaza’s population for three months is currently stockpiled at border crossings, awaiting Israeli clearance.

The statement reminded Israel of its obligations under international law as the occupying power to allow life-saving assistance to reach civilians in need.

Concerns were also raised about a newly approved Israeli aid delivery mechanism, passed by Israel’s security cabinet on 4 May. According to the EU, this mechanism would shift the responsibility of aid distribution to non-humanitarian actors and private security contractors — a move that “runs counter to humanitarian principles” and has drawn criticism from the UN and key aid partners.

“Our message is clear: Humanitarian aid must never be politicised or militarised. Using aid as a tool of war is prohibited under international humanitarian law,” the EU statement emphasized.

It called on Israel to work constructively with the United Nations and humanitarian organizations under the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2720, which outlines principles for impartial and effective aid delivery.

The EU also renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages, with the ultimate goal of ending hostilities and restoring peace.

UN agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) have repeatedly warned that food stocks have now been depleted, most families lack access to clean water, and looting of humanitarian warehouses has resumed. Aid organizations have warned that hunger is spreading at an alarming rate across Gaza’s 2.2 million-strong population.