EU Warns Israel’s Ground Assault on Gaza City Will Deepen Humanitarian Crisis

TDT | Brussels

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The European Union has issued a stark warning that Israel’s ground assault on Gaza City will exacerbate the death toll, destruction, and humanitarian suffering already unfolding in the war-torn territory.

“The EU has consistently urged Israel not to intensify its operation in Gaza City,” EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said on Tuesday. “A military intervention will lead to more destruction, more death and more displacement. We have been clear that this will aggravate the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and further endanger the lives of hostages.”

Israel launched its long-anticipated ground offensive before dawn on Tuesday, combining heavy bombardments with troop movements into Gaza’s largest urban center.

In response, Brussels is preparing to unveil a set of proposed measures against Israel as early as Wednesday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously signaled that these could include suspending trade elements of a cooperation agreement and sanctioning “extremist” Israeli ministers. However, analysts warn that deep divisions among the EU’s 27 member states over the conflict could make passing such measures difficult.

The war traces back to Hamas’ October 2023 assault on Israel, which left 1,219 people dead—most of them civilians—according to official figures compiled by AFP. Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has since killed at least 64,905 people, also largely civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, figures the United Nations deems credible.

Adding to the international pressure, UN investigators on Tuesday accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza, alleging an intent to “destroy the Palestinians” and directly blaming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials for incitement.