The Chief of Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in Gaza, Seigrid Kaag, stated today, Thursday, that the maritime corridor cannot replace the land route in delivering aid to Gaza.
Kaag pointed out in her meeting with journalists at the United Nations building in New York that they had emphasized from the beginning the importance of the land route for providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza, according to Anadolu Agency.
She added, "The whole issue revolves around aid via the land route. The land route is faster, easier, and less expensive."
The UN official clarified that the aid via the maritime corridor that will arrive from Cyprus will be subject to inspection before reaching the port being constructed by the United States.
She noted that the United Nations has set certain conditions for participation in this project, including the presence of an effective warning system, the distribution of aid to all areas of Gaza, freedom of choice in operations, and ensuring a safe distance from the Israeli occupation forces.
She confirmed that the ultimate goal is to ensure a continuous flow of aid to the people of Gaza.
In violation of international laws, Israel restricts access to humanitarian assistance to Gaza, particularly by land; this has led to shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, and accusations against it of committing a war crime by employing starvation as a weapon.