Paris: Officials from Western and Arab nations, the United Nations, and nongovernmental organizations are gathering in Paris, with the aim of providing urgent aid to civilians amid Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron opened a Gaza aid conference with an appeal for Israel to protect civilians as it fights Hamas, saying “all lives have equal worth” and that fighting terrorism “can never be carried out without rules.”
According to the French presidency, more than 50 countries are expected to attend, including a number of European nations, the US, and regional powers like Jordan, Egypt, and the Gulf states. Also attending is Palestinian Prime Minister Mr. Mohammad Shtayyeh.
The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, the UN’s top aid official, and the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross are expected to provide details about urgent needs in the Gaza Strip.
Over 1.5 million people, or roughly 70 percent of Gaza’s population, fled their homes, and an estimated $1.2 billion is needed to respond to the crisis in Palestinian areas.
Cyprus President Mr. Nikos Christodoulides will present his plan for a humanitarian sea corridor to Gaza which he has stated aims for a “sustained, secure high-volume flow of humanitarian assistance to Gaza in the immediate, medium and long term.”
More financing announcements from France are anticipated. Following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, Paris has provided an additional $21.4 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza through the UN and other partners and sent 54 tonnes of aid via three flights to Egypt.
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