EU Urges Israel to Reopen Gaza Border Crossings Amid Flooding and Military Strikes

The European Union issued a statement on Saturday, November 15, 2026, urging Israel to reopen all border crossings into the Gaza enclave. The EU called for immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to provide aid and large-scale early recovery support to the population. In the statement, the European Union urged Israel to comply with international human rights and humanitarian law and called for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The European Union also reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution.

Humanitarian Crisis and Natural Disasters

The call for aid comes as the region faces a dual crisis of military conflict and severe weather. Heavy rains and flooding have submerged large areas of the Gaza enclave. According to UNICEF, heavy rain has directly affected at least 106,000 people in Gaza in recent days. The destruction of infrastructure has also hampered relief efforts; Gaza's media office reported that over 700km of the sewage network in Gaza has been destroyed.

The European Union expressed concern regarding recent military actions, describing an airstrike on Nasser Hospital as deeply alarming. On Thursday, November 13, 2026, an Israeli air attack at the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza killed at least six Palestinians, including a surgeon. The European Union emphasized that all humanitarian aid must be used solely for peaceful purposes and must not be diverted by armed groups.

Recent Military Activity

Military strikes have continued for one year since a ceasefire was announced. On Saturday, November 8, 2026, an Israeli drone strike killed two Palestinians in the Jabaliya area on the northern edge of Gaza City. Mohamed Abu Selmiya, the director of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, reported the casualties from the drone strike. The Israeli military stated it struck two Hamas militants in the Jabaliya area.

The ongoing instability continues to impact civilian life across the region. While the European Union has called for a full withdrawal of forces, military operations remain a constant presence. The combination of destroyed infrastructure, such as the sewage network, and recent flooding has created a complex environment for international aid organizations attempting to provide relief to the affected population.

Glossary

• Nasser Hospital — Nasser Hospital is a hospital located in Khan Yunis. It has been the subject of Israeli airstrikes.
• Nasser Medical Complex — The Nasser Medical Complex is a hospital located in southern Gaza. It is the largest hospital in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
• Jabaliya — Jabaliya is an area located on the northern edge of Gaza City. It contains the Jabaliya camp.
• Gaza City — Gaza City is a city in the Gaza Strip. It is the location of Shifa Hospital.