Brussels: EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib on Monday emphasized the critical need for the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Lahbib underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that aid must "flood Gaza, not enter drop by drop," due to the immense needs and the approaching winter season.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lahbib shared her recent experiences from a visit to the Rafah crossing, where she was denied entry into Gaza despite the presence of hundreds of trucks loaded with essential supplies. She highlighted the frustration and exhaustion expressed by humanitarian workers at the site, citing the significant administrative burdens they face.

Although a ceasefire came into effect on October 10, conditions in Gaza have not seen improvement, with Israel maintaining strict restrictions on the entry of aid trucks, which contravenes the humanitarian protocol established by the agreement. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly 70,700 people, predominantly women and children, and injuries to over 171,100 others in Gaza since October 2023, despite the truce being in place.