• The EU is considering various measures against Israel due to its actions in Gaza.
• Foreign ministers are demanding updates on humanitarian aid delivery mechanisms.
• Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with calls for stronger EU intervention.
• Divisions among EU states hinder effective action against Israel's military campaign.
• Recent strikes in Gaza have caused significant civilian casualties amidst ongoing conflict.

The European Union is contemplating a range of measures against Israel in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as foreign ministers convened to address the situation. The bloc's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, presented ten potential actions, which include suspending agreements, restricting trade, imposing sanctions on Israeli officials, and halting visa-free travel, following Israel’s breaches of a cooperation deal concerning human rights. However, divisions among EU states have complicated any decisive action during the discussions, with Kallas noting, "The aim is not to punish Israel. The aim is to really improve the situation in Gaza," according to India Times, Los Angeles Times, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

During the recent meeting, EU foreign ministers requested further details about an aid deal negotiated with Israel, aimed at delivering crucial humanitarian supplies to Gaza. Kallas confirmed that some measures had been initiated, such as opening border crossings and increasing aid transport, but emphasized that these were insufficient given the ongoing violence and humanitarian degradation. "It’s clearly not enough because the situation is still untenable," Kallas remarked, indicating that the EU's monitoring of these developments would be critical in the coming weeks, according to Los Angeles Times, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

As tensions remain high, calls for a reassessment of the EU’s relationship with Israel are gaining traction among member states, particularly from nations like Ireland and Spain. European officials have expressed frustration over Israel's military actions and the blockade affecting Gaza, where more than 58,000 Palestinians have reportedly died since the conflict reignited in October 2023. This alarming toll includes children and non-combatants, prompting a rise in public and international pressure aimed at enacting more stringent actions against Israel, according to Los Angeles Times, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

Backlash over inaction has been articulated by human rights organizations, which argue that the EU's response to Israel's military offensive has been insufficient. Amnesty International's secretary-general, Agnès Callamard, has called the EU's current position "political cowardice," warning that failing to act increases the risk of complicity in potential war crimes occurring as a result of the ongoing conflict. This sentiment reflects the growing frustration within certain EU segments over the perceived humanitarian negligence affecting Gaza, as noted by various sources citing humanitarian reports, according to Los Angeles Times, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.