JAKARTA - Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, Wednesday, called on Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian access in the Palestinian territories, stressing that the distribution of aid should not be conditional or politicized.
Prevot criticized Israel's plan to block international non-governmental organizations in Gaza. He referred to the International Court's affirmation that Israel has an unconditional obligation under international humanitarian law to ensure that the delivery of assistance to civilians can take place without hindrance.
"Professional humanitarian actors such as UNRWA and Belgian-funded international non-governmental organizations adhere to the highest standards of transparency, impartiality, and independence," Prevot said via the X social media platform, quoted by Antara, Thursday, January 1.
He urged Israel to cooperate with all humanitarian actors in good faith, based on clear and non-politicized criteria, to maximize the delivery of assistance in Palestine.
"I urge the Government of Israel to lift all restrictions on humanitarian access and to respect the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict," he added.
Although the ceasefire agreement came into force in October, Israel reportedly still closed most of the Gaza crossings. This condition hinders the entry of temporary housing and reconstruction materials, and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis that affects more than two million people.
Palestinian officials say at least 414 people in Gaza have been killed since the truce took effect.
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