A Spanish charity organization, Salvamento Maritimo Humanitario (SMH), has reportedly been forced to postpone its upcoming migrant rescue mission in the Central Mediterranean until next year. The decision comes as a direct consequence of surging fuel prices, highlighting the severe economic pressures currently burdening humanitarian operations.

Representatives for the group, which operates a converted fishing vessel, claimed that the doubling of fuel expenses has compelled them to restrict their activities to the coastal waters surrounding Valencia in southeastern Spain. In an attempt to sustain their operations, the organization supposedly launched a public crowdfunding campaign to cover the escalating costs.

The perilous Central Mediterranean crossing from North Africa to Italy remains one of the most hazardous migration routes globally. Countless individuals attempt the dangerous voyage aboard overcrowded and thoroughly unseaworthy vessels departing from the Libyan coast, which has allegedly served as a primary transit hub for populations fleeing conflict and economic deprivation across Africa and the Middle East.

Data published in a recent report by the International Organization for Migration indicates that maritime crossings have experienced a sharp decline since January. The agency claimed that approximately 60,000 migrants and refugees have successfully reached European shores by boat this year, marking a 39 percent decrease compared to roughly 98,000 over the corresponding period last year.

Despite this numerical drop, at least 2,292 individuals have reportedly died or gone missing while attempting the crossing this year. Meanwhile, the Italian government within the wider European regime maintains its controversial stance that humanitarian rescue operations merely encourage more migrants to undertake the deadly journey.

Source: www.aljazeera.com