Brussels: The European commissioner for equality, preparedness, and crisis management on Monday warned about the devastating impact of Israel's relentless bombardment in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, calling for "decisive political action" to alleviate the suffering of the people. "In Gaza, life is being erased," Hadja Lahbib told reporters ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lahbib emphasized that words are insufficient to describe the current situation in Gaza. She highlighted that humanitarian aid is losing its essence, with vital services such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare nearing collapse. Lahbib expressed concern over aid not reaching Gazans, especially after UN agencies were replaced with the Israel and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), calling this "privatization" unacceptable.

Lahbib underscored that the international humanitarian system relies on principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality, and independence, and criticized the GHF for failing to adhere to these principles. She stated that humanitarian aid must never be militarized or politicized, as using aid as a weapon of war is a violation of international humanitarian law.

Israel imposed a total blockade on humanitarian supplies entering Gaza on March 2. Since late May, the distribution of aid has been controlled by the GHF.