EU launches new air bridge and funding for Syrian humanitarian aid
The European Commission announced on Friday the launch of a new air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid to those in need in Syria. Additional funding will also be released to address the ongoing crisis.
As part of the effort, the Commission is funding flights to transport 50 tonnes of medical supplies from a European reserve in Dubai to Adana, Turkey, with plans to distribute these supplies across the border into Syria in the coming days. 46 tonnes of medicine, tents and other vital supplies will also be transported from a European reserve in Denmark to Adana.
To further support these efforts, the Commission is allocating an extra 4 million euros for humanitarian aid. This funding will be used to purchase food parcels for distribution in northern Syria through humanitarian partners. The new allocation increases the total humanitarian assistance provided by the European Union to Syria this year to 163 million euros.
"While we are witnessing a historic change that could provide opportunities to finally achieve peace and stability for the people of Syria, we must not lose sight of the humanitarian consequences of intensified hostilities and conflict on civilians," stated commissioner Hadja Lahbib in a press release.
The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last week marks a significant shift in Syria's long-standing civil war. However, the humanitarian crisis remains severe, with 16.7 million people urgently requiring assistance, according to the Commission.
© PHOTO ANWAR AMRO / AFP
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