EU commits 70 million euros more for Gaza aid

Brussels, Belgium: The European Union on Friday said it was giving an extra 68 million euros ($73 million) to provide desperately needed aid to Palest...

Brussels, Belgium: The European Union on Friday said it was giving an extra 68 million euros ($73 million) to provide desperately needed aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

The territory has been devastated by more than six months of Israeli bombardment and ground operations after October 7 attack, leaving the civilian population of two million people in need of humanitarian assistance to survive.

"In light of the continued deterioration of the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the steady rise of needs on the ground, the (European) Commission is stepping up its funding to support Palestinians affected by the ongoing war," an EU statement said.

"This support brings total EU humanitarian assistance to 193 million euros for Palestinians in need inside Gaza and across the region in 2024."

The EU said the new aid would be focused on food deliveries, clean water, sanitation and shelters, and would be channelled through local partners on the ground.