European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, Hadja Lahbib, on Thursday urged the EU’s 27 member states to show “political courage and raise a strong voice” regarding the war on Gaza, as divisions persist within the bloc over how to respond to the actions of the Zionist entity.

“We have reached a turning point, and it is time for the European Union to act in a way that reflects its global role. Europe must unite in its stance on Gaza,” Lahbib told a group of journalists.

“What’s happening there troubles me—and it should trouble all of us. It’s a tragedy. History and our grandchildren will hold us accountable. We cannot stand idly by while innocent civilians, humanitarian workers, and journalists are being killed and starved,” she added.

EU foreign ministers are set to meet in Copenhagen on Friday and Saturday in an informal gathering to discuss the situation in Gaza, though no decisions are expected to be made.

The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly condemned the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where more than two million Palestinians live under siege and relentless bombardment by the Zionist entity for nearly two years.

“In Gaza, we are witnessing the first famine of the 21st century in the Middle East,” Lahbib said. “What is shocking and heartbreaking is that this famine could have been avoided—if we had been allowed to deliver our humanitarian aid.”

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced in July that an agreement had been reached with the Zionist entity to allow increased humanitarian aid into Gaza.

However, Lahbib noted that the agreement has been implemented only “partially,” and while “some progress has been made,” it remains far from sufficient.