Cyprus Aid Ship Readies to Sail for Gaza, Carrying Food Supplies
Published on: March 9, 2024.
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Food Aid Ready to be Sent to Gaza Along EU-Backed Maritime Corridor
SPAIN: A Spanish NGO, Open Arms, has announced that they are prepared to ship 200 tonnes of food aid from Cyprus to the besieged Gaza Strip by sea. This will mark the first shipment along an EU-backed maritime corridor. The charity, in collaboration with US charity World Central Kitchen, aims to alleviate the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where overland access restrictions have limited the availability of essential supplies.
The aid cargo, consisting of vital food items such as rice, flour, and canned tuna, is ready for transport pending final authorizations and permits. Israeli authorities, who have supported the Cypriot initiative, have already commenced inspecting the aid cargo. Once approved, the vessel, also named Open Arms, will depart from the Cypriot port of Larnaca in the coming days.
Preparations for Aid Delivery to Gaza
The World Central Kitchen teams in Gaza have begun preparations to receive the aid shipment. This includes the construction of a dock for unloading purposes. The NGO has been actively involved in distributing food and providing cooking assistance in Gaza since the onset of the Israeli bombardment six months ago.
The initiative comes amidst mounting international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has expressed hopes for the opening of the maritime aid corridor this Sunday. Additionally, the Pentagon has announced plans for a US-led effort to establish a temporary offshore maritime pier in Gaza, involving over 1,000 American personnel and taking up to 60 days to complete.
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Source: en.wenews.pk
