EU launches ‘air bridge’ to deliver aid to Syria via Türkiye
The European Commission has initiated an “air bridge” operation to send vital health supplies to Syria, with the first batch of 50 tonnes arriving via Türkiye.
Health supplies from EU stockpiles to be delivered to Adana
In a statement on Friday, the European Commission revealed that health supplies stored in Dubai would be flown to Adana, Türkiye, before being distributed in Syria in the coming days.
The shipment aims to address urgent medical needs across the country.
Additional aid from Denmark to support relief efforts
In addition to the airlift, a further 46 tonnes of relief supplies are being transported by truck from a Danish stockpile to Adana.
These will be distributed in Syria by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, assisting thousands of Syrians in need of aid.
EU’s ongoing humanitarian commitment to Syria
The launch of the air bridge is part of the E.U.’s broader strategy to provide ongoing humanitarian support to Syria. The move underscores the E.U.’s role in addressing the crisis, with multiple agencies coordinating efforts to bring relief to those affected by the conflict.
Continued support for Syria through Türkiye’s strategic position
With the “air bridge” and continued relief operations, the European Commission is ensuring that essential supplies reach those in need in Syria.
Türkiye remains a crucial hub for international aid efforts, as the region grapples with the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of continued aid, stating that she will discuss further humanitarian assistance during her visit to Türkiye to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.
“With the situation on the ground so volatile, our help to the people of Syria is ever more important,” von der Leyen said, highlighting the urgent need for international support in light of the escalating crisis.
New funding to address critical needs
The European Commission has mobilized an additional four million euros to address the urgent humanitarian needs in Syria.
This funding will support trauma kits, critical health supplies, emergency shelter kits, sanitation support, and the distribution of food parcels to 61,500 people in northern Syria. The Commission’s total humanitarian aid for 2024 has now reached €163 million (approximately $170 million).
World Food Programme calls for additional $250 million
The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) has also made an urgent appeal for $250 million in funding to provide food assistance to displaced and vulnerable Syrians over the next six months. This aid will support up to 2.8 million people in need.
