The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has prompted Germany and the European Union to provide aid to the region, including food deliveries by air and boat [e31faf38]. Western leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have called for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza [e31faf38]. The EU is coordinating aid efforts through Cyprus, and Germany and the Netherlands have deployed troops in the region [e31faf38]. However, it is important to note that the majority of Palestinians do not necessarily want peace with Israel, despite the aid efforts [e31faf38]. Germany's actions in providing aid to Gaza are seen as an attempt to win favor with both Israel and Arab nations, positioning themselves as mediators for a potential two-state solution [e31faf38]. This aligns with Germany's historical desire to exert influence in the Middle East and assert control over Jerusalem [e31faf38].
The European Commission has taken note of Prime Minister Netanyahu's announcement to open further humanitarian aid access points into Gaza, including the Ashdod port, the Erez crossing, and increased deliveries from Jordan [19a157b5]. The Commission is calling for swift and full implementation of these steps and emphasizes the need to protect innocent civilians and aid workers [19a157b5]. They are also urging all actors in the region to enable a significant surge in the in-flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza [19a157b5]. The European Commission will continue working with partners to increase aid deliveries via land, air, and sea routes, including the Maritime Corridor [19a157b5]. The European Union has increased its financial and humanitarian support to the people of Palestine and has launched 44 flights carrying almost 2,000 tonnes of aid as part of its EU Humanitarian Air Bridge operation [19a157b5].