In Israel's Absence, Leaders From More Than 50 Countries, Including Palestinian PM, To Discuss Aid To Gaza At Paris

Officials from various countries, the United Nations and NGOs have decided to convene in Paris on Thursday (9 November) for a conference on how to provide aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip, during the war between Israel and Hamas, as reported by The New Indian Express.

The conference will explore various proposals such as humanitarian maritime corridors and floating field hospitals. Israeli authorities will not participate in the conference.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who has called for a "humanitarian pause" in the war has demanded the conference to address the growing needs of the besieged Palestinian enclave, including food, water, supplies of healthcare, electricity and fuel.

More than 50 countries are expected, including several European countries, the United States and regional powers such as Jordan, Egypt and the Gulf countries, the French President added, along with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides will present his plan for a humanitarian maritime corridor to Gaza which he says is aimed at creating "a large and sustainable flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza in the immediate, medium term and long term."

Since the Hamas attack on 7 October, Paris has provided an additional 20 million euros ($21.4 million) in humanitarian aid to Gaza through the United Nations and other partners, and sent 54 tonnes aid through three flights to Egypt.

On Tuesday (7 November), the German government announced it would provide 20 million euros ($21 million) in new funding, in addition to freeing up 71 million euros ($76 million) that had been earmarked for the agency's United Nations for Palestinian refugees following a study released after the Hamas attack.

European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are also attending the conference.

The 27-nation bloc is the world's top aid supplier to the Palestinians. It has sent almost 78 million euros ($83 million) this year.

Amnesty International has praised the humanitarian conference and called on states "to push for an immediate cease-fire by all parties" — as this is a vital precondition to ensure the people of Gaza receive any kind of sustained, effective, and impactful humanitarian aid.