Humanitarian aid for Gaza collected in Cyprus is being loaded onto ships for delivery once a temporary pier in Israel is repaired. The United States is also working to recover two grounded vessels near the damaged pier. Repair efforts are underway, and the U.S. remains committed to ensuring aid reaches Gaza as soon as possible.
A humanitarian aid flotilla destined for Gaza was halted after Guinea Bissau removed its flag from two vessels, as the activists of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition stated. The flotilla, organized by the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation, aimed to deliver aid directly to Gaza. Israel’s assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 34,700 Palestinians, while UN experts demanded safe passage for the flotilla and adherence to international law.
Israeli tanks re-entered parts of northern Gaza and carried out air strikes on Rafah, killing and injuring several people. Tanks surrounded schools where displaced families were seeking refuge, ordering evacuations and detaining men. The Israeli military continued operations in central Gaza, targeting gunmen and destroying terrorist infrastructure. Israel is still imposing restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite some claims of increased aid flows. The Palestinian health ministry reported over 33,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since October.
Israel is increasing aid flow into Gaza in response to international pressure, but the amount is still disputed. The United Nations states that the aid is much less than what is needed to meet humanitarian needs. Israel reported 419 trucks entering Gaza on Monday, while the Red Crescent and the United Nations reported lower figures due to Israeli inspection rules. The devastated Palestinian enclave is facing famine and disease, with most inhabitants homeless. Aid agencies criticize Israel for not ensuring enough access for humanitarian supplies. Israel denies hindering aid and blames the United Nations for delays. The international community, including the United States and France, is pressuring Israel to increase aid access. Israel has agreed to open crossings for aid supplies but distribution inside Gaza remains a challenge. UNRWA reports that only 223 trucks entered Gaza on Monday, less than half of what is required daily. Distribution problems persist inside Gaza, with food convoys to the north facing more restrictions than other humanitarian aid. Israel’s military has not responded to accusations of restricting aid convoys inside Gaza.
After six months of Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, countering the deadly October 7 Hamas attacks, EU leaders called for a cease-fire. The Palestinians in Gaza have been suffering from starvation, lack of medical supplies, and the harsh rule of Hamas militants, with hospitals and schools being constantly targeted. The Cypriot ‘Amalthia’ initiative has opened a maritime aid corridor to Gaza, with the first supply of food relief reaching the Palestinians and a second shipment ready. Air drops continue from Jordan, and efforts are ongoing to open more land border crossings from Egypt. Cyprus has a history of humanitarian relief efforts and has evacuated foreign nationals from Lebanon, Sudan, and helped end the siege of the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem in 2002. Cyprus has developed diplomatic channels and trust with neighboring countries, primarily focused on energy issues. The U.S. views Israel as a key ally in the region, while western powers tolerate Turkey’s actions, including its involvement in Syria and the Russia-Ukraine war. Cyprus has not invested in major defense purchases and lacks air and naval support to safeguard its Exclusive Economic Zone. Cyprus aims to remain proactive in regional matters, seeking full support from EU partners and western powers, aiming to lead in diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives without nepotism influencing appointments.