Dousa: Only Israel Can End the Starvation in Gaza

The situation in Gaza is described as increasingly dire, with aid organizations warning of starvation.

"Only the Israeli government can end the starvation in Gaza," says Minister of Aid and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa (M).

Several aid organizations warn that thousands in Gaza will die of starvation if emergency aid does not reach the people soon.

Additionally, the EU Commission on Monday directed some of its harshest criticism yet at the Israeli government, accusing Israel of "violating human rights" and contributing to a potential starvation catastrophe in Gaza.

However, no consensus on measures was reached.

"Not Allowed In"

Benjamin Dousa has stated that the Swedish government feels constrained.

"The problem right now is not a lack of money or trucks. The problem is that the trucks are not allowed in by the Israeli government," he says.

Europe must therefore step up and apply much harder pressure on Israel to increase aid deliveries, he continues.

"Europe must take a step forward," says Dousa.

He mentions that Sweden is pushing for sanctions against individual Israeli ministers, measures concerning Israel's access to the Horizon research collaboration, and trade measures.

"Unfortunately, there are far too few countries, a handful, on the Swedish side. Then there are some who block almost everything, with Hungary at the core."

Clearer Pressure

For a few days now, Israel has allowed emergency aid from the air, and 200 vehicles with supplies have been allowed into Gaza. But according to aid organizations, it is not enough.

"We could send billions to the World Food Programme, but it would only lead to larger stockpiles in Egypt and Jordan. So the most effective thing here and now is for Europe to apply clearer pressure on Israel, because only the Israeli government can end the starvation in Gaza," says Benjamin Dousa.