The European Union announced that it is launching a humanitarian sea corridor to support the residents of the Gaza Strip, amid a United Nations warning that more than half a million people in the Strip face the risk of starvation under the Israeli blockade.
A spokesman for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that von der Leyen is scheduled to travel to Cyprus this week as the Union works to establish a humanitarian corridor to support residents in Gaza across the Mediterranean island.
He stated, "The Commission's efforts focus on ensuring our ability to provide assistance to the Palestinians," adding: "We all hope that this opening of the corridor will take place very soon."
Officials from international children's and relief organizations continue to warn of the deteriorating conditions of children in Gaza at all levels. Adele Khader, UNICEF's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said: “Humanitarian relief agencies such as UNICEF must be empowered to reverse the humanitarian crisis and prevent famine, and saving children's lives."
Earlier, the UN rapporteur on the right to food said that Israel is deliberately starving the Palestinians , stressing that “it must be held accountable for war crimes and genocide.”