Blanar: Slovakia Provides Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Since Outbreak of Conflict

Bratislava, 24 August (TASR) – The Foreign and European Affairs Ministry has been providing humanitarian aid to residents of the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, the ministry's press department told TASR on Sunday. „Slovakia strongly condemns the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza and the tragic humanitarian situation. In a spirit of solidarity and respect for international law, we are therefore providing aid that has a tangible impact on the lives of people in need. Humanitarian aid is part of our commitment to help where it is most urgently needed," said Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD). According to Blanar, Slovakia's humanitarian aid is comprehensive, including financial, material, and medical support worth nearly €200,000, aimed at alleviating the suffering of the civilian population. The first part of the aid consisted of a financial contribution of €100,000 to the World Food Programme to provide urgent assistance, primarily in the form of food. The second part involved two shipments of material aid weighing nearly 17 tonnes, valued at over €93,000. The shipments included food, water containers, toilet paper, sanitary pads, blankets, sleeping bags, and medical supplies. Slovakia also organised, in cooperation with partner countries, seven medical evacuations of child patients from Gaza. „Evacuated patients – primarily women and children – are receiving the necessary medical care in a safe environment outside the conflict zone. Through this form of assistance, we also express solidarity with civilians facing the consequences of an unbearable humanitarian crisis," the foreign minister added. Ensuring unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and protecting the operational space for international humanitarian organisations remain key foreign policy interests of the Slovak government in line with its priorities. „We consistently support international efforts both to ease the suffering of civilians in Gaza and to secure the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas. We repeatedly stress the need for a ceasefire and respect for international law," Blanar concluded. mf