EU Condemns Killing of Five Al Jazeera Journalists in Gaza Strike

The European Union has condemned the killing of five Al Jazeera journalists in an Israeli airstrike near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday.

Among the dead was correspondent Anas Al-Sharif, whom the Israeli military accused of leading a Hamas “terrorist cell” responsible for advancing rocket attacks on Israel. Kallas said the EU had noted Israel’s allegation but stressed the need for “clear evidence” in line with the rule of law to prevent journalists from being targeted.

The 27-member bloc remains divided over the Gaza conflict, with some states staunchly backing Israel and others defending Palestinian rights. Last month, the EU reached a deal to boost aid access to Gaza, but officials say it has been only partially implemented.

Kallas urged Israel to open the territory to more humanitarian relief. “While more aid is coming in, the needs remain far greater. We call on Israel to allow more trucks and ensure better distribution of aid,” she said.