Israel boosts humanitarian aid to Gaza to avoid EU sanctions
Photo: Israel did not fall into this Hamas trap (Getty Images)
Israel decided to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza partly to avoid European sanctions, reports The Times of Israel, citing Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen.
He said Hamas aims to create a situation where international decisions will be made against Israel.
"Hamas wants to reach a situation where there will be decisions made against the State of Israel on the international stage, to reach a goal that the war will end, and it will continue to exist," Cohen said on Kan TV.
He added that Israel "did not fall into this trap."
Cohen also said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with its European counterparts. To avoid EU sanctions against Israel, they agreed to increase aid to Gaza, including approving the construction of a new water pipeline.
The Times of Israel recalled that in early July, EU foreign ministers decided not to impose punitive measures against Israel. However, they demanded "more concrete steps" to increase aid to Gaza to avoid further diplomatic sanctions.
Ceasefire in Gaza
Today, the Israel Defense Forces announced daily pauses in fighting in some parts of Gaza. The breaks will create corridors to deliver humanitarian aid.
According to the statement, fighting will stop from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time.
