EU voices concern over Israel's bombing of aid route into

  • 12/15/2022
  • 20:45
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Lebanon BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) _ A European Union official voicedconcern Friday over Israel's bombing of Lebanon's mainnorth-south highway, which was being used as a maincorridor for international aid into the country. «What we considered a safe corridor has been bombed, sothat road going to the north is not safe anymore,» said EUspokesman Pietro Petrucci. Petrucci said he did not know to what extent the route hadbeen damaged but said early reports showed that aid convoystrying to get into Lebanon would be hindered. Israeli fighter jets destroyed four bridges on the mainnorth-south coastal highway Friday morning at the port cityof Jounieh, 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Beirut, andareas farther north. The north-south highway also links Beirut with Syria inthe north. The other eastern border crossing points toSyria have been severed by airstrikes. Israel has imposed anaval blockade and has hit the international airport toseal off Lebanon. EU officials have appealed to Israel to keep some keyroads intact so those fleeing the fighting can reach safetyand to allow aid convoys organized by the Red Cross, theU.N. and others through to victims. The EU has so far given ¤20 million (US$25.6 million) inhumanitarian aid to U.N. agencies and other aid groups toget much needed food and water to those affected by thefighting in southern Lebanon. The European Commission hasset aside another ¤30 million (US$38 million) in the EUbudget for further aid if agencies need more funds,officials have said. 041110 aug 06GMT www.spa.gov.sa/380684

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