Humanitarian Aid Reaches Gaza Amid Blockade Easing
In a significant development, a convoy of ships departed from Larnaca port, carrying a substantial 332 tons of food destined for the Gaza Strip. The vessels are set to arrive early next week, marking the second such shipment this month. This follows Israel’s decision to ease its 17-year naval blockade on Gaza, allowing humanitarian aid from Cyprus to reach the starving Palestinian population.
The aid, sourced by the U.S. charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), will journey across the Mediterranean aboard a cargo ship and a barge, towed by a salvage vessel. A tugboat with a support team will accompany them on the 60-hour voyage. A maritime corridor has been established in cooperation with Israeli authorities to ensure pre-screened cargoes can arrive directly in Gaza, streamlining the delivery process.
WCK, in collaboration with Spain’s Open Arms charity, has organized this mission. The initiative is primarily financed by the United Arab Emirates and supported by Cypriot authorities. The convoy not only carries food but also includes essential equipment like two forklifts and a crane to facilitate future marine deliveries, along with a team trained to operate the machinery.
Separately, there are plans underway by the United States to construct a floating pier off the coast of Gaza to further aid delivery efforts. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides shared that while the target completion date is May 1, it could potentially be operational as early as April 15.
The urgency of these efforts is underscored by warnings from the United Nations of an imminent famine in northern Gaza, where an estimated 300,000 people are currently trapped by conflict. With more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents at risk of famine by July, aid agencies are calling for increased land-based aid deliveries, despite sea shipments being a welcome relief.
While U.N. officials have criticized Israel for blocking humanitarian supplies, Israeli officials have countered these claims. They assert that once aid reaches Gaza, its distribution falls under the purview of U.N. and humanitarian agencies. As international efforts continue to alleviate the crisis, the world watches in hope for a sustainable resolution to the plight of those in Gaza.