Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced on Tuesday that the “Amalthea” humanitarian aid operation for Gaza will be “continued and further intensified” to deliver more aid to the civilian population.During a press briefing, Letymbiotis said Cyprus has created an “additional tool” to supplement existing aid channels. This requires collaboration with regional and international partners to secure the necessary maritime resources and ensure safe transport and distribution of aid to Gaza.Referring to the first aid ship departing from Larnaca, Letymbiotis stated that this “pilot effort” activates the Amalthea Plan, the maritime corridor for humanitarian aid. He called it “the beginning of the implementation of this very important initiative” that will establish a systematic maritime corridor.“We will continue our effort in understanding with the partners who want to contribute,” he said. He highlighted that the President of the European Commission, in her speech before the European Parliament, “welcomed the launch of the initiative and praised the leadership of President Christodoulides and Cyprus in undertaking the initiative.” She also referred to “joint efforts with other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom.”“Our efforts will continue and will be intensified, with the aim to further strengthen the humanitarian aid that will be sent to the civilian population of Gaza,” Letymbiotis continued. “Like Amalthea, the nurturing goddess who gave life according to Greek mythology, the sea corridor is a thread of life. The journey has just begun.”Letymbiotis emphasised that Cyprus, as the only EU member state in the region, has championed the maritime corridor based on international humanitarian law since the crisis began. He added that Cyprus benefits from geographical proximity and excellent relations with all parties involved.When asked about Greece’s participation, Letymbiotis confirmed that Greece is one of the countries that signed the Joint Declaration issued on 8 March. He elaborated, stating that “Greece is among the countries that supported and supports this initiative. We are constantly in contact with other states so that they can contribute and help in this very important initiative.”Responding to another question, Letymbiotis said the government has been working on this initiative from the outset, presenting a specific plan in international forums and to the European Council.“It took a lot of effort and persistence on our part to convince some people outside Cyprus and, unfortunately, in Cyprus as well,” he pointed out. “What we are pleased to announce today is a meaningful initiative, which is giving life to civilians in the Gaza Strip.”Letymbiotis concluded by noting that “it is initiatives like this one that further enhance the role of our country in the region, and highlight what our country can achieve through proper planning, through the undertaking of initiatives.”Letymbiotis denied a press report claiming Israel’s interest in purchasing a port in Cyprus, calling the article “unfounded” and “false.”(Picture by George Christophorou)Read more:
maritime corridor. humanitarian aid operation, Gaza, maritime corridor