European Union confirms deal with Israel to increase aid to Gaza

Israel has agreed to a “substantial increase” of trucks carrying humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and the opening of additional crossing points in the northern and southern areas of the Palestinian enclave, European Union officials announced Thursday.

The agreement followed what E.U. officials called a “constructive dialogue” with government officials in Jerusalem.

The E.U.’s foreign policy chief, former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, said the agreement means more aid and food trucks will be able to enter Gaza, the repair of vital infrastructure, and the protection of aid workers.

“These measures are or will be implemented in the coming days, with the common understanding that aid at scale must be delivered directly to the population and that measures will continue to be taken to ensure that there is no aid diversion to Hamas,” Ms. Kallas said Thursday in a statement.

The agreement will also result in the reopening of the Jordanian and Egyptian aid routes into Gaza, the distribution of food supplies through bakeries and public kitchens, and the resumption of fuel deliveries for use by humanitarian facilities, she said.

What’s more, the power supply will be restored to the vital water desalination facility in Gaza, Ms. Kallas said.

“We count on Israel to implement every measure agreed,” she wrote on X.

The E.U. called for an immediate ceasefire in the fighting between Israel and Hamas, and the release of all remaining hostages still being held inside Gaza. It backs the current efforts of the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar as mediators.

Also on Thursday, the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said it delivered more than 69 million meals to residents of the Gaza Strip. The pilot program to deliver aid directly to people living in the region is showing signs of success. GHF officials said they delivered four truckloads of potatoes — almost 250 tons worth — to one of the neighborhoods.

“We are very encouraged by the results. Our goal is to continue to scale the program across all regions of Gaza,” said John Acree, GHF’s interim director. “We invite local leaders to request our participation in their areas.”

In the food aid pilot program, local distribution of aid begins when a community leader contacts the organization, either directly or through a non-government agency. The program vets the community leader, assesses the needs, and coordinates the delivery of an initial number of boxes of food aid, officials said.

The community leader collects the boxes at a predetermined location and distributes them to members of the community. GHF will verify that all boxes are delivered to people in need using a list of aid recipients supplied by the community leader, officials said.

“The Gaza Strip is a dynamic, dangerous environment that requires innovative solutions to get food to those who need it most,” Mr. Acree said.