Around 1,400 trucks carrying EU aid are stalled on the Egyptian side waiting to enter the Gaza Strip, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, confirmed on Monday.

Commenting on the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, he underlined that only a tiny percentage of Palestinians in Gaza in need are getting aid as crossings remain closed due to Israel.

“Today, 1,400 trucks (are) waiting to enter. And in a good day, maybe 50 will come in. In Ramadan time, they were 600 per day. This is a drop in the ocean of needs on the other side (of the crossing),” Borrell said.

He also called for allowing the wounded and ambulances to pass through the Rafah crossing, which the Israeli occupation forces have controlled since May.

On efforts to reach a ceasefire deal, Borrell maintained, "I don't understand why the ceasefire has still not been reached. Someone is procrastinating."

Borrell pointed out that the European Union could exert political and diplomatic pressure on "Israel" to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. He also revealed that the bloc is considering a proposal to impose sanctions on two Israeli ministers and several Israeli organizations, though no decision has been made on this matter as of yet.

Borrell, el-Sisi meet in Cairo, discuss Gaza war developments

In a related context, the EU foreign policy chief met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo, where they discussed the latest developments regarding the war on Gaza and the need to prevent further escalation.

According to a statement by the Egyptian presidential spokesperson, el-Sisi conveyed to Borrell that resolving the war on Gaza would ease regional tensions and contribute to restoring stability.

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He called on the international community and the EU to intensify their efforts and push to reach an agreement that would put an end to the ongoing war on Gaza and the escalating violence in the West Bank.

The Egyptian President warned of the "ongoing escalation steps that push toward expanding the circle of conflict."

He also praised Borrell for his "objective and fair positions" in recent times.

The presidential statement further outlined that el-Sisi and Borrell discussed Egypt's efforts, alongside its partners, to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the exchange of captives and detainees.

Both leaders also addressed "means to end the catastrophic humanitarian tragedy endured by the Palestinians in Gaza, and pave the way for the actualization of the two-state solution, which would open avenues for peace, coexistence, stability, and development in the region."

Borrell reiterated the European Union's commitment to ongoing consultations with Egypt and its support for Cairo's efforts to achieve regional stability during this critical period.

During the meeting, el-Sisi and Borrell lauded the momentum in Egypt-EU cooperation highlighted most recently by the declaration of the Egypt-EU Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership in March and the Egypt-EU Investment Conference held in Cairo in June.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to exploring new avenues of collaboration under this partnership, particularly in areas such as investment, trade, energy, migration, and environmental sustainability, according to the statement.

Later, Borrell posted on X that "the  EU and Egypt are strategic partners at all levels - from economic development to achieving peace across the region."

Deep discussion with President @AlsisiOfficial in Cairo on Gaza and related crises impacting Egypt, and need to prevent further escalation.

The EU and Egypt are strategic partners at all levels - from economic development to achieving peace across the region. pic.twitter.com/FTZNkCoaOX

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) September 9, 2024

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