European Union Demands Immediate Humanitarian Access to Gaza Following Floods and Airstrikes

The European Union requested on November 14, 2026, that Israel allow immediate and unimpeded humanitarian aid access to Gaza. This demand follows recent deadly flooding and Israeli airstrikes in the Palestinian territory. The European Union also called for the reopening of all border crossings into the region to facilitate aid delivery.

Casualties from airstrikes and flooding

Recent violence and weather events have caused significant loss of life. On November 12, 2026, Israeli airstrikes killed 11 people in Gaza, according to Palestinian emergency services. Of those 11 deaths, six occurred during a strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The Israeli military confirmed the attack on Nasser Hospital, stating the operation targeted a high-ranking Hamas official and other members of the armed wing of Hamas. The Israeli military also claimed that Hamas uses the hospital complex as a command center.

Extreme weather has further complicated the humanitarian crisis. Heavy rains and flooding have caused the deaths of five people, including three children, according to Palestinian emergency services. On November 7, 2026, the Gaza Civil Defense declared a state of maximum emergency after a storm flooded approximately 70,000 tents. These floods have inundated tens of thousands of tents used by displaced families since the weekend of November 7, 2026.

Humanitarian crisis and shelter conditions

The scale of displacement in Gaza remains critical. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that approximately 1.4 million Palestinians live in tents or makeshift shelters. This figure represents 65% of the total population in Gaza. The current situation follows a ceasefire deal reached approximately one year prior to these reports.

Kaja Kallas, the Head of European diplomacy, expressed concern regarding the recent strike on Nasser Hospital. Kaja Kallas stated that the recent airstrike against Nasser Hospital is deeply concerning. Kaja Kallas further urged Israel to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of aid and to reopen all border crossings. Kaja Kallas also stated that Israel must facilitate the work of the United Nations, its agencies, and humanitarian organizations, and comply with international law.

European Union political stance

The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803. Regarding the long-term political landscape, the European Union stated that Hamas should have no role in the future governance of Gaza.

Glossary

• Gaza — Gaza is a Palestinian territory. It is a region where the population lives in tents or makeshift shelters.
• Nasser Hospital — Nasser Hospital is a hospital complex located in Khan Younis. It has been described as a location where displaced Palestinians take shelter.
• Khan Younis — Khan Younis is a city located in the Gaza Strip. It contains Nasser Hospital.