BRUSSELS (AP) — A European idea to help end the devastating conflict in Gaza is gaining traction: Develop Gaza’s port to reopen the besieged territory to the rest of the world through a Cypriot port, with international monitors assuring that no weapons get through.

Across Europe, governments are warming to the proposal to give the 43-kilometer (27-mile) strip on Israel’s southern border such an economic lifeline. After all, Gaza was a thriving port in ancient times.