EU organises 6 new humanitarian air bridge flights for Gaza and channels assistance for neighbouring countries

The Commission continues to scale up humanitarian assistance to respond to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

During the month of December, the EU is planning to roll out 6 new humanitarian air bridge flights to get essential aid to people in need in Gaza. This brings the total supplies provided by the EU to over 1,000 tonnes, with 30 Air Bridge flights overall planned so far.

These latest flights will transport shelter supplies, hygiene items and medical equipment, among others, supplied by humanitarian partners as well as aid donations from Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Germany.

To ensure a comprehensive response to the crisis, the EU is also strengthening its support to Egypt’s health care system coping with the arrival of evacuees from Gaza.

Thanks to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the EU is facilitating the delivery of offers of assistance to Egypt from Sweden, Spain, Austria, Poland, Italy and Germany.

The aid offered by Sweden and Spain consisting of vital medical equipment has been delivered on 29 November, with the logistical support of Belgium. An Italian vessel carrying medical items and equipment arrived in Egypt on 3 December. The rest of the assistance will be delivered in the coming weeks.

Today Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič is attending a follow up to the Humanitarian Conference for Gaza organised by the French Government on 9^th of November.

The Commissioner will reiterate the EU’s call for upholding International Humanitarian Law, allowing safe and unhindered humanitarian access to and throughout Gaza, and the extension of the humanitarian pause. 

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “With the resumption of hostilities in Gaza, the deadly toll among civilians is increasing again. I repeat my call – in line with International Humanitarian Law civilians must be protected. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to enter unhindered, at scale necessary, and securely to reach people across the Strip. Humanitarian needs of the affected population are just beyond words. At the same time, the spill over of the crisis is weighing on neighbouring countries such as Egypt. The EU has been working around the clock together with humanitarian partners, Member States and international organisations to ensure a comprehensive humanitarian response as well as civil protection assistance where they are most needed.”