The EU has criticised Israeli restrictions on dual use items entering Gaza as concerns grow for the second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire.
Speaking at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, humanitarian aid commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, said that she saw "hundreds of trucks full of items, essential supplies, medicines, shelters, tents, sleeping bags” waiting at the Rafah border crossing during her visit two weeks ago.
"Too many trucks are … refused, full of items considered as dual use: sleeping bags because of their colour green, wheelchair because of the wheel,” Ms Lahbib said.
European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib says European taxpayers need to know why the aid they finance cannot enter Gaza. Reuters
Dual use items are considered to have both civilian and military purposes. The UN said last month that Israel had rejected more than 100 requests by aid groups to deliver materials including blankets, winter clothes, and tools to operate water, sanitation and hygiene services.
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