Speaking at the UN Security Council, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell sharply criticized the blockade of aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. “Hunger is used as a weapon of war,” Borrell explained, without mentioning Israel by name.
Aid by sea or air is just an alternative to the natural routes over land – but these have been “artificially closed”, the 76-year-old said. Borrell spoke at a meeting on cooperation between the UN and the EU in New York.
Hundreds of thousands of people in the Gaza Strip are at acute risk of famine as a result of the war. According to the World Food Program, deliveries to some parts of the region are hardly possible. Helpers were also hindered and convoys were looted.
Israel denies the accusations
Israel defended itself against criticism over the catastrophic supply situation. Since the start of the war, more than 16,000 trucks have entered the Gaza Strip and only 1.5 percent are unregistered, the Israeli Cogat authority, which is responsible for contacts with the Palestinians and humanitarian aid, wrote on Tuesday on X.
Ship carrying 200 tons of relief supplies launched from Cyprus
Meanwhile, the first ship carrying aid, intended to supply war-torn Palestinians in the Gaza Strip through a new maritime corridor, departed from Cyprus. The Open Arms loaded 200 tons of relief supplies – mainly flour, rice and protein products.
Experts estimate that the journey to the destination could take 48 to 60 hours. It is not yet entirely clear where and how the ship will unload its cargo after arriving in the waters off the coast of the Gaza Strip. Delivering the goods is seen as a major challenge because there is only a small fishing port that is not deep enough for cargo ships. The US military therefore wants to set up a temporary port together with international partners, but according to US information its construction will take two months.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
