EU pledges humanitarian aid for Gaza

The European Union said today that it will provide 3 million euro (£2.9 million) in urgent humanitarian aid for Palestinians in the Gaza area.

It says the aid - food, emergency shelter repairs and medical aid - will be provided through the United Nations to Gaza Palestinians.

EU Development Affairs Commissioner Louis Michel said in a statement today that Gaza's 1.5 million population rely on supplies from outside for their survival.

Mr Michel said that, with every passing day, their situation is becoming more desperate.

He called on "the Israeli authorities to respect their international obligations" and let the aid through.

In 2008, the EU provided more than 73 million euro (£70 million) in humanitarian aid for victims of the crisis in the Palestinian Territories, 56% of it in the Gaza Strip.