Charity prepares to send aid to Gaza from Cyprus
A ship carrying relief supplies for Gaza prepared to depart Cyprus’s Larnaca Port on March 9th, in an effort to prevent encroaching famine, according to Reuters.
The World Central Kitchen (WCK), a not-for-profit mostly funded by the UAE, loaded the Spanish NGO-owned vessel with pallets of rice, flour and protein in partnership with Spain’s Proactiva Open Arms.
Aid agencies warned of a looming famine five months into Israel’s campaign against Hamas, though many attempted aid deliveries have been delayed at land border checkpoints.
READ: UNRWA boss insists Gaza famine can still be avoided
The vessel, typically used to rescue migrants at sea, was still in Cyprus on March 9th as shown in footage from Reuters TV. The same day, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said the ship planned to depart “in the next 24 hours,” but he could not specify for “security reasons.”
Larnaca lies about 210 miles north-west of Gaza, allowing for a 15 hour journey. In 2008, pro-Palestinian activists used the port to get into Gaza harbor using small sail boats.
Cyprus recently offered a cargo screening process with Israel officials, removing the need for security checks in Gaza. A sea corridor from Cyprus to Gaza will supplement attempts to boost aid supplies, and according to the European Commission, should have begun operating last weekend. This project was financed by the UAE and headed by an international charity.
The United States also reportedly plans to build a temporary jetty to bring aid into Gaza.
“WCK and partners agree more than one ship will be needed and are working towards a constant flow of aid,” said the non-profit in a statement, adding that it plans to send another 500 tons of aid following its initial shipment.
READ: UN accuses Israel of “starvation campaign” in Gaza
A spokesperson for WCK said the ship plans to sail to Gaza, where the charity and its partners are working to build a jetty. This is separate from the aforementioned US jetty project.
Gaza, which lacks port infrastructure, has been under an Israeli navy blockade since 2007. Since Hamas took control of the enclave, it has permitted few direct sea arrivals.
Negotiations on a possible ceasefire in Israel’s war against Hamas remain deadlocked.
