JERUSALEM—Divergent assessments of Gaza’s humanitarian situation emerged during a joint press conference between Israeli and Danish officials on Sunday, revealing significant disagreement over the effectiveness of current aid measures.
Israeli Foreign Minister Laught Locke Rasmussen asserted that substantial improvements have occurred in Gaza’s humanitarian conditions, citing expanded cooperation with European partners and the implementation of new aid delivery mechanisms.
“Significant changes are visible on the ground that aren’t being reported in Western media,” the Israeli minister stated. “Our agreements with Brussels have enabled increased humanitarian flow, and since implementing humanitarian corridors and aerial delivery systems, substantial quantities of supplies have reached Gaza, resulting in notable decreases in food prices.”
The Israeli official announced the formation of a joint working group with Denmark to coordinate humanitarian efforts, including medical evacuations from the territory. He also addressed European-Israeli relations, noting what he described as “growing anti-Israeli sentiment” across Europe while emphasizing mutual strategic interests between the regions.
However, Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen presented a contrasting view, directly challenging his counterpart’s optimistic assessment.
“We cannot confirm any substantial progress in the humanitarian situation,” the Danish minister countered. He reiterated Copenhagen’s proposal to facilitate medical transfers from Gaza to the West Bank, expressing frustration with Israeli restrictions.
“Allowing patient transfers to East Jerusalem would significantly ease the medical crisis and save numerous lives, though we cannot compel this action,” Rasmussen stated, adding that conditions in Gaza remain deeply concerning.
The exchange highlighted ongoing international divisions regarding the Gaza conflict and differing interpretations of humanitarian progress in the besieged territory.
