Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes Crisis and collapse: Europe’s intervention in Gaza
May 27, 2025
Julien Barnes-Dacey, ECFR’s Middle East and North Africa programme director, offers crucial insights into the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. He discusses the faltering Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's controversial role amid accusations of worsening displacement. The dialogue shifts to Europe's evolving stance, including possible sanctions and retuning trade ties with Israel. Can Europe effectively intervene, or is it too late to reshape the course of the crisis? Tune in to explore the complex interplay of humanitarian strategies and geopolitical implications.
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Gaza's Dire Humanitarian Crisis
- The ceasefire collapsed in March and Israel seeks to occupy 75% of Gaza permanently.
- An 80-day blockade has driven Gaza into famine, with over 54,000 dead and rising displacement risks.
Flawed Gaza Aid Delivery Plan
- The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aims to bypass Hamas but struggles due to only a few distribution centers.
- UN and experts say concentrating aid this way is impractical and might fuel displacement rather than alleviate hunger.
Aid for Control and Displacement
- Israel’s plan to concentrate food aid in few locations is a control tool to displace Gaza’s population.
- Military strategy aims to occupy 75% of Gaza, forcing two million residents into a smaller area.