First aid shipment departs Cyprus for US-built Gaza pier
A person is seen on board as a U.S. flagged cargo vessel carrying aid to a pier built by the U.S. off Gaza sets sail from Larnaca, Cyprus May 9, 2024. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou
A shipment of humanitarian aid — the first delivery to the new US-built pier in Gaza — left Cyprus’s Larnaca port on May 9th according to the country’s Foreign Minister, reported Arab News and agencies.
The departure follows the Pentagon’s announcement in April that the US would construct a pier to Gaza “very soon.”
Cyprus’s Larnaca port was also previously used by the World Central Kitchen for a shipment of aid on March 9th. Spain’s Proactiva Open Arms departed with pallats of rice, flour and protein. Though the non-profit said in a statement that “more than one ship will be needed and are working towards a constant flow of aid.”
Washington’s decision also comes as its long-standing relationship to Israel rapidly weakens. On May 7th, President Joe Biden paused a mass shipment of weapons to the country in light of its recently-heightened Rafah offensive.
READ: Outrage as 7 aid workers are killed in Gaza, inquiry ordered
Additionally, US Representative Jason Crow organised a letter to Biden — along with around 80 Democratic lawmakers — pointing out Israel’s obstruction of previous US aid deliveries.
On March 2nd, the US airdropped more than 38,000 meals into Rafah. Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned against the encroaching threat of famine on Gaza’s overall population.
Commissioner General of UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini has said, “The world [must be] committed to never let famine happen again,” something that he insists could be “avoided through genuine political will to grant access and protection to meaningful assistance.”
Arab News and agencies
