“We are grateful for the efforts of Cyprus, supported by other member states, to keep (in operation) the sea corridor as an additional route for (delivering) humanitarian aid to Gaza,” UN Secretary-General Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said in during the accredited editors’ briefing at UN headquarters in New York.

Mr. Haque said that the necessary operational plans are being finalized so that the UN will be able to adequately handle humanitarian aid once the floating dock (set up by the US military) is fully operational, while guaranteeing the safety of its personnel. Community awareness and acceptance is paramount to guaranteeing the safety of this operation.

“We are also grateful to the US for all the work they did to set up the floating dock. However, providing aid to people in need throughout the Gaza Strip cannot and should not depend on a floating dock, which is far from where the needs are greatest. To prevent the horrors of a famine, we need to use the quickest and most obvious route to reach the people of Gaza, and for that, we need land access,” he reminded.

According to the UN, land routes are the most sustainable, effective and efficient method of delivering aid, and for this reason it calls for the opening of all crossing points.