Kaja Kallas condemns Israel for civilian deaths at Gaza aid stations
- Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign affairs representative, condemned Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip.
- She highlighted the immediate need for Israel to stop the killings of civilians at aid distribution points.
- The ongoing violence has escalated concerns among international leaders about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In recent discussions surrounding the Gaza Strip, Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign affairs representative, expressed her outrage regarding Israel’s military actions against civilians at aid distribution centers. On July 22, 2025, she publicly condemned the killings of civilians seeking assistance and highlighted that such actions are not justifiable. During her conversation with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Kallas reminded him of existing agreements concerning humanitarian aid and access for organizations. She stressed the urgent need for the Israeli military to cease its lethal actions at these crucial distribution points. Saar, in response, claimed that Hamas was spreading disinformation about the situation. He accused Hamas of exploiting the plight of civilians by shooting and torturing them when they attempt to collect aid. This accusation illustrates the tense and complicated relationship between Israel and Hamas, particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The tragic reports from the Gaza Strip have raised significant concerns among international leaders, with many urging Israel to uphold its commitments regarding civilian safety and humanitarian access. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, endorsed Kallas's statement, underscoring that civilians should never be considered targets in the ongoing conflict. She characterized the images emerging from Gaza as unbearable, indicating a broader European concern for the violent repercussions that the conflict is having on innocent lives. The situation has escalated dramatically in recent months, particularly after the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation commenced its operations to deliver aid amid ongoing hostilities. Despite support from the USA and Israel, the GHF and its distribution efforts have been met with peril, as repeated incidents of fatalities and injuries have been reported near distribution points. These occurrences have led to growing criticism of the Israeli army, which is often accused of being responsible for the violence. As tensions continue to mount, EU officials are emphasizing the need for a swift and peaceful resolution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and for Israel to adhere to its obligations to protect civilians during this tumultuous period.