### EU to Review Israel Agreement Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

Growing international criticism has prompted the European Union to reassess its political and economic relations with Israel as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates. EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, confirmed that the EU will conduct a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, due to the "catastrophic" conditions in Gaza.

Israel's blockade on aid to Gaza has been criticized by multiple global leaders. Though Israel has recently allowed a small amount of aid into Gaza, distribution has been negligible. The United Nations has issued dire warnings, suggesting that 14,000 babies could die within 48 hours if the situation does not improve.

Kallas emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, "The aid that Israel has allowed in is of course welcomed, but it's a drop in the ocean. Aid must flow immediately without obstruction and at scale because this is what is needed." She added that she has discussed these concerns with Israeli officials, as well as UN and regional leaders, stressing the need for immediate pressure to change the situation.

The initiative for the review is spearheaded by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who garnered support from other EU foreign ministers. In a letter to Kallas, Veldkamp highlighted the grave concerns regarding Gaza. The EU-Israel Association Agreement, which came into force in 2000, covers topics from political dialogue to trade. A review based on human rights concerns would mark a significant diplomatic stance.

Veldkamp elaborated on the importance of the review: "The Netherlands took the initiative because we have grave concerns about Gaza. We are grateful that enough Member States support this step and that the High Representative Kaja Kallas has decided to initiate the review of Article 2." He further stressed the need for a comprehensive lifting of the humanitarian blockade and the pursuit of a ceasefire and other humanitarian actions.

Kallas’s stance has shifted notably, moving from skepticism last week about the potential success of such initiatives due to uneven political support within the EU, to now supporting the review in light of increasing international criticism. Recent escalations have resulted in the deaths of hundreds more Palestinians, with the leaders of France, the U.K., and Canada openly condemning the ongoing suffering in Gaza.

Marc Botenga, Member of the European Parliament from The Left Group, welcomed the review, although he noted that Israel still receives arms and public funds from Europe. He called for an immediate arms embargo and the cancellation of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, labeling the current support as "full complicity with genocide and ethnic cleansing."

In a related development, Britain has paused its negotiations on a free trade agreement with Israel. The current conflict, initiated by Israel in response to a deadly Hamas attack during a music festival in October 2023, has devastated Gaza’s housing and infrastructure, causing over 55,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local authorities.

A UN-backed report in May highlighted the critical risk of famine in Gaza, with 93 percent of the population facing severe food insecurity. The report indicated that continued military operations would exacerbate the already dire situation, making famine increasingly likely. Local health officials reported that at least 55 people were killed by Israeli actions on Tuesday, with over 500 deaths in the past eight days.