Brussels: Germany is calling on Slovakia to reconsider its veto on the European Union's proposed new sanctions against Russia. The situation has created a significant obstacle within the EU as it seeks to maintain a united front in response to Russia's actions.
According to Anadolu Agency, the EU's foreign policy chief announced that Israel has committed to a series of urgent humanitarian measures aimed at alleviating the crisis in the Gaza Strip. This development follows a "constructive dialogue" between the EU and Israel, leading to the Israeli Cabinet's resolution to implement significant steps to improve the humanitarian situation in the region.
The agreed measures include an increase in the number of daily trucks delivering food and non-food items to Gaza, the opening of additional crossing points, and the reopening of aid routes through Jordan and Egypt. Furthermore, efforts will focus on enabling food distribution through bakeries and public kitchens, resuming fuel deliveries for humanitarian facilities, and restoring critical infrastructure such as power for a water desalination plant.
The EU emphasized the necessity of protecting humanitarian workers, reiterating its readiness to coordinate with relevant humanitarian stakeholders, UN agencies, and NGOs to ensure the rapid implementation of these measures. The EU also reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages, expressing support for the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.
In related developments, Hamas announced its agreement to release 10 living hostages as a gesture of 'flexibility' to facilitate a ceasefire agreement. Concurrently, US President Donald Trump indicated that his administration is nearing a deal on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel continuing in Doha.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to the deaths of nearly 57,700 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, since October 2023. The severe bombardment has caused extensive devastation, resulting in food shortages and the spread of disease.
On an international legal front, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.