Lebanon Opens Air and Sea Borders to Deliver Aid to Syria

Lebanon has today announced the opening of its airspace and seaports to allow for urgent humanitarian aid to be delivered to neighboring Syria. As highlighted by Ali Hamie, the acting Minister of Public Works and Transport, this decision comes in light of the economic sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union against Damascus, causing many countries and organizations to refrain from direct communication with Syrian authorities.

According to Hamie, "By government decree, all shipping companies transporting goods and equipment to Syria will be exempt from port fees in Lebanon." He noted that similar privileges are in place for air transport at Beirut International Airport. "This is the least we can do for our Syrian brothers during this time of trial," emphasized the acting minister.

He also announced that a group of Lebanese rescuers from the Civil Defense Service, an army engineering unit, volunteers from the Lebanese Red Cross, and private charitable organizations have departed for Aleppo and Latakia.