Moscow, March 8.- The European Union, Cyprus, the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will launch a maritime humanitarian corridor to the Gaza Strip, confirmed the president of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen.
The initiative responds to the impossibility of supplying the inhabitants of the enclave due to the land blockade imposed by Israel.
In November 2023, Cyprus presented an initiative to create a humanitarian maritime corridor with the aim of bringing aid to the Gaza Strip. On March 6, Von der Leyen told reporters that the European Union hopes to establish a humanitarian corridor in support of Gaza through the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.
“Today Cyprus, the European Commission, the US and the UAE, supported by other critical partners, announce our intention to launch a maritime corridor to supply additional essential humanitarian cargo by sea,” the EC chief declared.
She added that the enclave is facing a humanitarian catastrophe and “the main challenge is to deliver humanitarian aid directly to the citizens of Gaza.” The humanitarian corridor, he continued, would begin operating on March 10.
In turn, the press service of the Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that Israel welcomes the opening of a maritime humanitarian corridor between Cyprus and the Gaza Strip. The Jewish country, the note continues, will continue to contribute to the provision of humanitarian aid to the citizens of Gaza “according to the rules of war” and in coordination with the US and its allies.
The Foreign Ministry adds that the initiative will allow increasing humanitarian aid to the enclave "after security checks are carried out in accordance with Israeli standards." (Sputnik) (Photo: @UNRWAes)
