The situation in the besieged Gaza Strip has worsened as Israeli forces conducted more than 200 air raids overnight, causing widespread destruction and displacement of the Palestinian population. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the mass displacement has reached approximately 180,000 people in the past 24 hours, with the numbers expected to rise. Currently, 137,500 individuals are seeking shelter in 83 UNRWA schools, where bread is being distributed in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP).
In response to the escalating conflict, the Israeli air force has initiated an emergency airlift to bring back hundreds of Israelis residing in Europe to serve as military reservists. The Hercules planes of the Israeli air force have been deployed for this purpose, although specific details regarding the European locations of the reservists have not been disclosed.
However, not all European nations are supportive of the proposed suspension of aid to the occupied Palestinian territories. Spanish Acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares emphasized that cooperation and aid to the Palestinian population should continue, distinguishing them from Hamas, a designated terrorist group by the European Union (EU). Similarly, the foreign ministry in Paris has expressed its opposition to the suspension of aid, stating that it directly benefits the Palestinian people. EU foreign ministers are set to convene on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the issue further.
The controversy surrounding the suspension of aid arose after EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi initially announced the immediate suspension of all payments from the development programme for Palestinians. However, this decision faced dissent from countries such as Ireland, Luxembourg, and Austria, with Spain also expressing its disagreement. Hours later, the EU reversed its stance, clarifying that it was reviewing aid to the occupied Palestinian territories but not suspending payments.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army has declared that it has regained full control of the areas surrounding the Gaza fence. In a statement, Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that engineering units are currently clearing the areas and repairing holes in the fence. While the army has reported a small number of Palestinian fighters still hiding in Israeli territory, the situation remains tense and uncertain.
