Cyprus talks to EU, neighbours on humanitarian corridor for Gaza

Cyprus on Tuesday said it was in talks with parties in the Middle East and the European Union over its suggestion to establish a humanitarian aid corridor from the island to Gaza.

Nicosia is pursuing the option as fighting rages for a fourth week between Israel and Hamas, deepening a humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

"We are continuing diplomatic contacts with states of the region, the EU and the United Nations for this very important humanitarian corridor to become possible," Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis told a news briefing.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who floated the proposal at an EU leaders' summit last week, was due to speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Letymbiotis said.

Cyprus is the closest EU member state to Gaza, lying approximately 370 km north-west of the enclave at its...