The European Union called on Israel on Saturday to allow relief organizations to deliver assistance to those affected by the devastating floods in the Gaza Strip "immediately and without obstruction."
The bloc emphasized in its statement: "We demand that Israel allow the immediate and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid and support for early recovery, ensure its widespread distribution, and reopen all border crossings to the Gaza Strip."
This European demand comes after heavy rains since the end of last week caused the flooding of tens of thousands of displaced people's tents and the deaths of five individuals, including three children, according to reports from the Palestinian Civil Defense and hospitals in the area.
The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stressed in the statement that "Israel must facilitate the work of the United Nations and its agencies and humanitarian organizations, including non-governmental organizations, and fulfill all its obligations under international law, particularly international humanitarian law and international human rights law."
The union stated that the severe flooding hitting Gaza "worsens the living conditions of residents who have reached their limit of exhaustion," exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Borrell added that "the recent airstrike on Nasser Hospital raises serious concerns."
At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured in Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to Palestinian health sources, including six in an airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, marking the highest toll since the legislative elections in the Israeli state late last month.
The Israeli army confirmed the attack, stating that it targeted "the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade in Hamas, Mohammed Abu Ismail, and other terrorist elements hiding inside Nasser Hospital."