The European Union has criticised Israel’s restrictions on so-called dual use items entering Gaza, warning the measures are significantly delaying humanitarian assistance as efforts focus on sustaining the US-brokered ceasefire. Speaking after an EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, humanitarian aid commissioner Hadja Lahbib said hundreds of aid trucks were stalled at the Rafah crossing carrying essential supplies. She cited items such as sleeping bags and wheelchairs being blocked over claims they could have military applications.
Dual use goods are defined as materials that may serve both civilian and military purposes. The UN has reported that Israel rejected more than 100 aid delivery requests last month, including for blankets, winter clothing and water sanitation tools. Israel maintains such restrictions are based on security considerations.
