Global Rice News

A ship loaded with 200 tonnes of aid for the Gaza Strip departed from Cyprus on Tuesday in an effort to establish a sea route for delivering supplies to the population. Aid agencies warn that the residents of Gaza are on the verge of famine. The charity ship Open Arms, funded by the UAE and organized by US-based charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), left Larnaca port in Cyprus, towing a barge containing flour, rice, and protein.

To reach Gaza, the journey takes around 15 hours, but with a heavy tow barge, it could take up to two days. Cyprus is located over 200 miles (320 km) northwest of Gaza. The US military vessel, the General Frank S. Besson, is also en route to provide humanitarian relief to Gaza by sea.

Deliveries into Gaza have faced obstacles and insecurity since the beginning of the war on October 7. Even Israel’s allies are demanding easier access for aid. As a result, attention has turned to alternative routes, including sea and air drops.

The mission to supply Gaza by sea has been months in the making and represents a milestone for Cyprus, the EU member state closest to the conflict. Cyprus is monitoring the spillover effects of the turmoil in the Middle East and has already seen an increase in migrants arriving from Lebanon. Over 400 people arrived in fishing boats just on Monday.

Since there is a lack of port infrastructure in Gaza, WCK is building a landing jetty using materials salvaged from destroyed buildings and rubble. The construction of the jetty is progressing well, according to WCK founder Jose Andres.

Another vessel is expected to depart within the coming days, according to WCK Activation Manager Juan Camilo Jimenez. The UN humanitarian office has welcomed the efforts to provide aid by sea and air but noted that they alone will not be sufficient. Most land crossings into Gaza are sealed off by Israel, severely limiting the amount of aid that can enter.

The situation in Gaza is dire, with the UN estimating that a quarter of the population is at risk of starvation. Food shortages and skyrocketing prices are making survival increasingly difficult for residents. Displaced by the conflict, many people are now crammed into makeshift tents in the southern city of Rafah.

The aid distributions have been chaotic, with desperate people vying for food. Tragic incidents have occurred, with Palestinians being killed and injured in the crowds. Hunger has become a daily threat to the people of Gaza, and urgent assistance is needed to prevent further suffering.

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, which controls Gaza, have so far failed to achieve a breakthrough. Israel is interested in a temporary truce to free hostages, while Hamas is demanding a permanent end to the war as part of any agreement.

Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, is working as a mediator and says it is focused on establishing a permanent ceasefire. While a deal is not yet within reach, Qatar remains hopeful for a resolution.

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