Israel Urged to Open New Gaza Crossing Points for Aid
Ministers Agree on Aid Delivery to Gaza, Call for Israel to Open Additional Crossing Points
In a recent meeting, ministers discussed the importance of aid delivery to Gaza and agreed that there is no meaningful alternative to the delivery of aid via road through Egypt and Jordan. They also mentioned the significance of opening Israel’s Ashdod port for humanitarian aid, as it would complement the maritime corridor project.
Furthermore, the ministers pledged to continue engagement and send senior officials to Southern Cyprus for a briefing on the activation of the sea corridor. The US military is also making efforts to establish a temporary pier to facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza, which lacks its own port.
The joint statement highlighted the need for senior officials to create a common fund to support the maritime corridor in Southern Cyprus and coordinate financial support to ensure its sustainability. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of Israel opening additional crossing points to enable more aid to reach Gaza, especially in the north, and ease customs restrictions for the flow of humanitarian aid.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the maritime corridor cannot replace road aid channels and should only be a component of aid delivery. He stressed the importance of utilizing road routes for the most critical delivery of aid.
In response, Janez Lenarcic, EU Commission member responsible for crisis management and humanitarian aid, called on Israel to open more crossing points and ease customs restrictions to allow more aid to reach Gaza, particularly in the northern region.
The international community continues to work together to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and support those in need. Let us hope for continued cooperation and support for the people of Gaza during these challenging times.
