Countries propose safe corridor for 20,000 Gulf seafarers

Regional outlets focus on the humanitarian impact on roughly 20,000 stranded seafarers and the call by the International Maritime Organization for a safe corridor through Hormuz. They highlight the joint statement by European nations, Japan and Canada as a political commitment that still lacks clear operational details. They also stress that several allies, including in Europe and Asia, are ready to help ensure safe passage but remain divided over linking action to a ceasefire.

• •Around 20,000 seafarers are stranded on ships in the Gulf because of the Hormuz crisis.
• •The International Maritime Organization has urged creation of a humanitarian corridor in the strait.
• •European nations, Japan and Canada have issued a joint statement on safeguarding shipping through Hormuz.
• •Six allied countries have said they are ready to help efforts to ensure safe passage.
• •Some European governments insist on a ceasefire before committing more concrete support in Hormuz.