The United Arab Emirates has decided to halt its humanitarian aid efforts through a maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza until further safety guarantees are received from Israel and a complete investigation into the deaths of aid workers in Gaza is conducted. The UAE official, who wished to remain anonymous, did not disclose any information regarding the safety guarantees required from Israel.
The UAE has been financing the aid shipments by sea to Gaza, which were being organized by WCK. The death of seven people working for the WCK aid group in Gaza, due to an Israeli strike, has been condemned by the UAE foreign ministry, and they have demanded an “urgent, independent, and transparent investigation.” The UAE holds Israel accountable for the tragic incident.
Israel had eased a 17-year naval blockade on the Gaza Strip in the previous month, permitting seaborne aid from Cyprus for the starving Palestinians.
