"Greece, which from the first moment emphasized the need to avoid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, is exploring the possibility of creating a humanitarian sea corridor for the transport of essential goods to the region," diplomatic sources say.
"For this plan, which is operationally complex - and which French President Emmanuel Macron referred to on Friday - the Greek government is discussing with the directly interested parties, as well as with European partners and international organizations", note the same sources.
Emmanuel Macron's plan
The role of Cyprus as a base for an international humanitarian corridor for Gaza was revealed in Brussels after the EU Summit. French President Emmanuel Macron, stressing that Greece will also play a role in this project.
The French president, who repeatedly in recent days has referred to the need for initiatives to prevent a humanitarian crisis, said that a humanitarian coalition is being prepared by several European countries, in particular Cyprus, which will serve as an air base for this "maritime humanitarian corridor". .
The first contacts with Cyprus
Macron stated that he already had the first consultations with the Cypriot president Nikos Christodoulidis and is in close contact with Greece as well as all the European partners who will decide to participate in the specific operations. However, he clarified that there should be a so-called humanitarian truce both for the protection of civilians and for the success of efforts to free the hostages.
As the French president said, Cyprus could be the air base for this maritime humanitarian corridor, stressing that he had discussions with the president of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as with the Greek prime minister on this matter.
He also added that the goal is to send medicine, food and basic necessities to Gaza as soon as possible by sea and air. All this, he said, should be determined in the next period with both the Israeli authorities and the United Nations.
Emmanuel Macron added that for this idea to be implemented, there should be a "humanitarian ceasefire", which France supports, as it is necessary to protect the civilian population of Gaza, but also to complete the negotiations for the release of the hostages. .
Sunak: Insists on the need for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern over the flow of aid to Gaza in a phone call today, according to a Downing Street statement.
"Leaders stressed the importance of getting urgent humanitarian support into Gaza. They agreed to work together in efforts to get critical food, fuel, water and medicine to those who need them, and to get foreign nationals out of Gaza," a Sunak spokesman said.
"They expressed their common concern about the risk of escalation in the wider region, especially in the West Bank" and agreed on the need not to overlook "the long-term future of the region, especially the need for a two-state solution."
Source: Capital.gr