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Lahbib traveled to Rafah on Friday, at the Egyptian border with Gaza, where hardly any aid supplies are being allowed through. Her intention was also to enter Gaza itself, but that did not succeed. Israel simply never responded to her letter asking if she could gain access personally as a European Commissioner.
Lahbib reiterated during a press moment that the European Union relies on the implementation of the agreement of October 9, 2025, which is supposed to guarantee a sustainable ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access. But on the ground, she mainly notices stagnation.
First of all, Lahbib condemned the violations of the peace agreement: “Since October 16, another 347 Palestinian civilians have been killed, including at least 67 children – that amounts to two Palestinian children per day.” She also lamented that all doors for humanitarian aid are not opening: “We are now in a gray zone. It is neither war nor peace, and this situation does not allow the Palestinians to begin rebuilding,” she stated.
The border crossings often remain closed, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza without food, water, medical care, and shelter. Lahbib noted on the ground in Rafah that the gate is closed. “It’s all vague, the rules change every day and seem to depend on the good mood of the border guard.”
(Rafah, November 28, 2025)