Within the upcoming days, the second ship will depart from Cyprus carrying humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza, stated the Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, today.Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Palace, the Spokesperson, when asked about the departure date of the second ship from Cyprus with humanitarian aid to Gaza, stated that “the … Read more
President Nikos Christodoulides announced the return of the first ship and the readiness to dispatch a second ship with humanitarian aid to Gaza. A decision has been made to establish a special fund for the purchase of humanitarian aid, supported financially by willing countries. This initiative, known as the “Amalthea” plan, has garnered international recognition and interest, with several countries expressing their support and some planning to visit Cyprus to observe the humanitarian aid mission.
The “Amalthea” humanitarian aid operation for Gaza, announced by Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, will be continued and intensified to deliver more aid to the civilian population. Cyprus has developed an additional tool to supplement existing aid channels, requiring collaboration with regional and international partners for maritime resources, safe transport, and distribution of aid to Gaza. The first aid ship from Larnaca marks the activation of the Amalthea Plan, establishing a systematic maritime corridor for humanitarian aid. The initiative has been welcomed by the President of the European Commission and involves joint efforts with countries like the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. Cyprus, utilizing its geographical proximity and relations, champions this maritime corridor based on international humanitarian law. Greece is among the countries supporting this initiative, having signed the Joint Declaration issued on 8 March. The initiative has been presented in international forums and to the European Council, aiming to enhance Cyprus’s role in the region and provide life-saving aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip. Letymbiotis also denied claims about Israel’s interest in purchasing a port in Cyprus, calling the report unfounded and false.
The maritime corridor for humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza is likely to be launched on Sunday, as stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Larnaca after inspecting the port installations with President Nikos Christodoulides. The Amalthea Initiative, aimed at delivering aid to Gaza following five months of war, was led by Cyprus and supported by the EU, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., and the U.K. The first vessel, belonging to the Spanish NGO Open Arms, is anchored in Larnaca, ready to deliver food and supplies provided by the World Central Kitchens charity. The U.S. military plans to set up a temporary port off Gaza’s coast to support the initiative, as announced by President Joe Biden. The Cyprus maritime corridor intends to scale up aid by complementing other routes, including the Rafah crossing from Egypt and airdrops from Jordan. The UN Special Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, plays a crucial role in coordinating humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The European Commission President emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for aid, mentioning Europe’s financing of a major humanitarian effort for Palestinians in Gaza and the region, amounting to €250 million this year. The EU has launched 41 flights carrying over 1,800 tonnes of aid and is considering all options, including airdrops. The EU naval force operation Aspides was launched to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea amid deteriorating maritime security. Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of preparing for a viable two-state solution, calling for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, opposing forced displacement of Palestinians and the blockade of Gaza, and condemning Gaza as a safe haven for terrorists.