EU Slams Israeli Strikes in Gaza as ‘Excessive’ Rejects New US-Israel Aid Model

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has strongly criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza, saying they “go beyond what is necessary to fight Hamas,” as civilian casualties continue to rise.

Kallas also rejected a controversial new US-Israel backed humanitarian aid plan that bypasses the UN, warning, “Humanitarian aid cannot be weaponized or privatized.”

The criticism comes as Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports nearly 4,000 deaths since Israel resumed its offensive in March. Recent airstrikes have killed large numbers of civilians, including 35 people at a school shelter and nine children from one family.

The EU, a major donor of aid to Gaza, says its relief efforts are being blocked by Israel. “Most EU aid isn’t reaching those in need,” Kallas said, adding, “The suffering is untenable.”

Her remarks echo similar concerns from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who called Israel’s actions “abhorrent” and “disproportionate.”

The US and Israel have endorsed a new aid distribution system via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), using private contractors and excluding the UN. The UN has rejected the plan as unethical.

Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to relocate Gaza’s population to the south and encourage what he called “voluntary emigration”—a move critics describe as forced displacement.

Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostage-takings, Gaza’s death toll has surpassed 54,000.

The EU is now reviewing its trade agreements with Israel, with possible policy shifts to be discussed at the next foreign ministers’ summit on June 23.