EU Strikes Humanitarian Deal with Israel as Gaza Death Toll Rises Amid Renewed Airstrikes

The European Union has secured a critical humanitarian aid agreement with Israel, even as airstrikes on Thursday left 15 civilians dead in central Gaza, escalating tensions in the war-torn region.

According to a statement from the European External Action Service, EU foreign policy chief and Vice President Kaja Kallas announced the deal following intensive negotiations with Israeli officials.

Details of the Agreement

The EU-Israel deal outlines a series of steps aimed at boosting aid access and protection for civilians in Gaza:

• Increase in daily food and non-food aid trucks entering Gaza.
• Opening of additional crossing points in northern and southern Gaza.
• Reactivation of aid routes through Jordan and Egypt.
• Food distribution via local bakeries and kitchens.
• Resumption of fuel deliveries to hospitals and other critical facilities.
• Improved protection for humanitarian workers.
• Restoration of infrastructure, including electricity to water desalination plants.

Kallas also confirmed EU readiness to coordinate efforts with UN agencies and NGOs for immediate implementation. “We count on Israel to implement every measure agreed,” she posted on social media.

Mounting Civilian Casualties

Even as the agreement was announced, tragedy struck in Deir al-Balah where 15 civilians—10 of them children—were killed in an Israeli airstrike outside a Project HOPE-run medical clinic. Gaza health authorities confirmed the casualties, stating that families were queuing for care when the strike occurred.

The Israeli military acknowledged the operation, stating it was targeting a militant operative and that the incident is under review.

Relief organizations report that ongoing Israeli restrictions and recurring violence have severely obstructed aid delivery, despite a partial lifting of the blockade in May. Aid experts warn that Gaza remains on the brink of famine more than 21 months into the conflict.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue

While the humanitarian crisis deepens, diplomatic efforts continue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrapped up his U.S. visit after closed-door talks with former President Donald Trump, who has reentered the regional diplomatic arena.

Peace negotiations resumed in Doha with Egypt and Qatar mediating alongside Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced guarded optimism from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The EU reiterated its support for the ongoing negotiations and its call for an immediate ceasefire. “We support the current efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States of America as mediators,” Kallas said.