E3 Nations and humanitarian aid to Gaza
The Gaza Strip has witnessed untold destruction and has suffered tens of thousands of deaths. Humanitarian aid is desperately necessary in this region. The E3 nations (United Kingdom (U.K.), France and Germany) pledged much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza on March 5, 2025, hoping to mobilize a peace accord in the region but also to ensure the aid provided gets to where it is needed. The U.K. Government stated that sustaining a ceasefire is vital alongside the continued humanitarian flow. The E3 nations involved have disapproved of Israel’s cut-off of any humanitarian aid to Gaza on March 2, 2025, violating multiple human rights codes. All E3 nations further stated that “bloodshed is in no one’s interest” in achieving access to humanitarian aid, wanting more peaceful means.
Humanitarian Aid from the UK
The U.K. has made large strides in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Working alongside UNICEF, the World Food Program (WFP) and the Egyptian Red Crescent Society (ERCS), the U.K. has helped combat shortages of food, water and medical supplies. Official Development Assistance (ODA) of £27 million went to the Palestinian Territories to further allow access to resources. An additional £4.25 million went to vulnerable children and young women through a partnership with UNFPA, which estimates it could reach one-fifth of Gazan women and children.
At home, the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and Ministry of Defence (MOD) have helped supply humanitarian aid to Gaza. More than £100 million went for ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the proper channels in Gaza to relieve it.
Humanitarian Aid from Germany
Since October 2023, “German assistance for the Palestinian territories has been increased by more than €300 million” to help alleviate the wartime crisis. Germany has fortunately seen its efforts come to fruition through its generous aid programs. Through its joint partnerships with UNICEF and the WFP, Germany has helped provide Gazans with much-needed supplies of nutrients and food formulas to combat malnutrition.
In addition to its physical efforts, Germany, as an E3 nation, has made clear statements on the need to help Gaza in its time of need, as well as to help end the humanitarian horrors by bringing peace to the region. “No humanitarian aid has reached Gaza for a month,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. “This cannot and must not continue,” he added.
Humanitarian Aid from France
French President Emmanuel Macron said, “Aid must never be used as a tool of war,” on April 9, 2025. France, alongside the E3 nations, has put forward a strong position on supplying humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. On February 14, 2025, France sent 52 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, hoping to help more than 1,000 families with blankets, ground sheets, medicine, food and water. Additionally, France has worked alongside its local NGOs to ensure that the people in need directly receive the aid. Working with Premiere Urgence Internationale and Médecins du Monde have helped give the supplies from the French government to Gaza through the Jordanian humanitarian corridor.
Financially, France has made considerable contributions to the cause. Attending the first international conference of Gaza’s civilian population, France contributed €100 million out of €1 billion raised for the conference.
Outcomes
The E3 nations and the humanitarian aid provided have been significant since October 7, 2023. All three nations have contributed with both financial and physical aid, food and medicine. The E3 nations have contributed more than most to the humane cause of helping people in war torn societies.
– Joel Raymer
Joel is based in Derby, Derbyshire, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
