French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne has proposed the idea of imposing European Union sanctions as a means to compel Israel to open Gaza border crossings for humanitarian aid. In an interview, Sejourne emphasized the importance of having various tools of influence, including the possibility of sanctions, to ensure the passage of essential aid through checkpoints.
Highlighting France's proactive stance on the issue, Sejourne mentioned that the country was the first to suggest EU sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank. He expressed readiness to pursue further measures if necessary to facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
According to Sejourne, a minimum of 300 trucks of aid per day is required to enter Gaza to address the pressing humanitarian needs of the region. However, the current daily influx of trucks stands at only about 20% of the pre-October 7 levels, indicating a significant shortfall in aid delivery.
Since October 2023, over 19,400 trucks have entered Gaza, with 90% of them carrying crucial humanitarian aid and the remaining 10% transporting private sector cargo. Despite these efforts, the average number of trucks transporting food each day has dropped to less than half of the pre-conflict levels, underscoring the ongoing challenges in meeting the food requirements of the population.
Sejourne's call for potential EU sanctions reflects the growing urgency to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensure the unimpeded flow of aid to those in need. The proposal signals a diplomatic strategy aimed at leveraging international pressure to compel Israel to facilitate the passage of essential supplies into the region.
