In a bid to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the European Union (EU) announced plans to open a sea route from Cyprus to facilitate the delivery of aid. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed on Friday that the sea route is expected to be operational by the end of the week, potentially by Saturday or Sunday.

Cyprus, as the nearest EU member state to Gaza, serves as a strategic departure point for aid shipments. Discussions regarding the utilization of this sea route have been ongoing for months, hindered by security concerns and the absence of a proper port in Gaza.

The United States also pledged support for relief efforts, with President Joe Biden announcing the construction of a temporary port to expedite aid delivery from Cyprus to Gaza. However, the establishment of this port is estimated to take at least 60 days. Once operational, it aims to supply significant quantities of essential items such as food, water, medicine, and temporary shelter to the Gaza Strip.

The Pentagon has outlined ambitious goals, aiming to provide enough food to sustain two million people daily through the new port. This initiative comes at a critical time, as Gaza continues to grapple with severe food shortages and dire humanitarian conditions exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.

Since Hamas assumed control of Gaza in 2007, Israel has enforced strict restrictions on sea access, citing security concerns. As a result, the majority of Gaza's population has been deprived of essential supplies, leading to widespread suffering and a heightened risk of starvation, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children.

In a collaborative effort, the EU, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and several other European nations have issued a joint statement emphasizing the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While acknowledging the complexities involved in delivering aid directly by sea, these countries are committed to expediting relief efforts and exploring alternative routes.

Efforts to coordinate aid delivery with Israeli authorities are also underway, with a focus on facilitating land-based relief shipments to Gaza. The international community remains steadfast in its commitment to providing crucial assistance to the people of Gaza, underscoring the importance of immediate action to mitigate the suffering caused by the ongoing crisis.