The European Union is gravely concerned about the situation in Northern Gaza. The large-scale Israeli air and ground operation against Hamas since early October has reportedly killed hundreds of civilians, including women and children, destroyed UN shelters and severely damaged hospitals, such as the Indonesian Al Awda Hospital, according to the WHO.

The remaining 400.000 residents of Northern Gaza have been ordered to evacuate yet again. Many have nowhere to go after repeated displacements, are unable to leave, or fear there is no safe place left in Gaza.

For more than two weeks, critical aid lifelines into Northern Gaza have been severed, with little to no food aid entering the area. On Saturday, Northern Gaza was also cut off from mobile communications. I join UN Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland in calling for an end to attacks on civilians and for the protection of displaced persons.

UN agencies, including UNDP, UNRWA, WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA, report a horrific humanitarian situation, with children dying at an alarming rate and being denied their basic rights to protection, food, water, and essential healthcare. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that hospitals are running out of fuel and supplies, and I join his call to protect healthcare.

The EU emphasises the urgency of full, rapid, safe, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid in Gaza.

The Israeli government should take swift action to prevent the starvation of the civilian population and comply with its obligations under international law. An immediate ceasefire is urgently needed, and the EU reiterates its call for the unconditional release of all remaining hostages.

Alleged violations of international humanitarian law must be thoroughly and independently investigated, and accountability ensured. In this context, we reemphasize the importance of implementing the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which are legally binding. UN-mandated investigators and international journalists must be granted access.