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Tag: Gaza

  • DIPA Leader Calls Gaza Situation a Genocide of Palestinians

    DIPA Leader Calls Gaza Situation a Genocide of Palestinians

    During a recent television interview, Democratic Alignment (DIPA) President Marios Garoyan described the situation in Gaza as a “genocide of Palestinians.” His comments were made on Sigma TV, where he also addressed Cyprus’s Western alignment amid the ongoing conflict.

    Garoyan’s remarks come at a time when international powers face scrutiny for their positions on the Palestinian issue. He asserted, “With the same force that we condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with the same voice we must shout: stop this genocide.” This statement highlights his belief that international law should not be selectively applied based on political convenience.

    He firmly rejected the notion that discussing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza could harm Cyprus’s national interests. “I categorically reject when we talk about genocide in Gaza that some third parties claim we are harming national interests,” Garoyan stated. He emphasised the importance of acknowledging the severity of the situation affecting civilians, particularly women and children in Gaza.

    Despite his strong criticisms, Garoyan reiterated Cyprus’s commitment to its Western orientation. “Cyprus has a clear orientation – and that is towards the West. It does not change, it does not alter,” he affirmed. He argued that political consistency should allow for criticism, particularly in matters of humanitarian concern.

    Garoyan also reflected on his previous role as the first parliamentary speaker to visit Israel in 35 years, stating, “I am not against Israel… Things are not one-dimensional. Politics needs realism and clear positions, not hypocrisy or ambiguities.” This comment underscores his call for a balanced approach to foreign relations.

    He pointed to Turkey as an example of how geopolitical balance can be maintained, noting that the NATO member has managed relations with Russia while facing tensions with Israel. Garoyan’s comments resonate within a broader discourse on international relations and the treatment of humanitarian crises.

    Garoyan’s condemnation of the situation in Gaza has sparked conversations about the responsibilities of nations and leaders in advocating for human rights amidst complex geopolitical realities. As the conflict continues, the narrative surrounding the humanitarian implications remains a pivotal aspect of the ongoing discussions.

  • Aid to Gaza Successfully Unloaded at Ashdod Port via Cyprus

    Aid to Gaza Successfully Unloaded at Ashdod Port via Cyprus

    Aid to Gaza shipped through Cyprus’s Amalthea scheme has been successfully unloaded at Ashdod port, marking a significant step in humanitarian efforts aimed at assisting the Palestinian population.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    • Aid to Gaza shipped through Cyprus's Amalthea scheme has been successfully unloaded at Ashdod port, marking a significant step in humanitarian efforts aimed at assisting the Palestinian population.

    The unloading process took place smoothly over two days, Tuesday and Wednesday, ensuring that all logistical operations were carried out as planned. The consignment, weighing 1,200 tonnes, is now set for further transport to a designated crossing point into Gaza, with every detail coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure a swift and efficient transfer.

    Currently, the vessel responsible for this mission remains at Ashdod port, preparing to transport 52 empty containers back to Limassol. These containers previously held the pre-screened aid from Cyprus and will be reused in future humanitarian efforts.

    The Amalthea initiative represents Cyprus’s commitment to establishing a humanitarian corridor, allowing essential supplies to reach civilians in Gaza amidst ongoing challenges. As the situation continues to evolve, officials reaffirm their dedication to maintaining this vital lifeline for those in need.

  • Uncertainty Surrounds Cyprus’ Gaza Aid Shipment

    Uncertainty Surrounds Cyprus’ Gaza Aid Shipment

    gaza aid — gaza aid — The fate of the 1,200 tonnes of aid sent from Cyprus to Gaza last week remains unclear. As of 11am on Wednesday, satellite data indicated that the ship carrying the aid, the Panamanian-flagged Henke, was still stationed off the coast of Ashdod, Israel, rather than docked at the port.

    Initially, the Henke was expected to unload its cargo last Wednesday, but this timeline was subsequently pushed back to Sunday or Monday. Victor Papadopoulos, director of the presidential press office, informed the Cyprus Mail that no evidence of an artificial holdup in the aid transfer had been found, while foreign ministry spokesman Theodoros Gotsis stated that there were no problems regarding the aid transfer.

    Despite these assurances, questions loom about the current status of the shipment. It is uncertain if the ship has unloaded its cargo and, if so, why it remains anchored off Ashdod. If the aid successfully reaches Ashdod, it would then be transported overland to Gaza through the Erez crossing point.

    Repeated attempts by the Cyprus Mail to contact government officials for clarification have gone unanswered. Previously, Papadopoulos had mentioned on CyBC radio that the government was monitoring the situation and acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the transfer of aid to Gaza.

    He expressed hope that any existing problems would be resolved, allowing the aid to reach those in need. “We collected the material from various donors, and we contributed, we created the mechanisms, we sent the mission,” he stated. He also highlighted the complex security situation and the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of aid deliverers.

    Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. Recent reports indicate that an Israeli military strike on a hospital has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, including journalists working for prominent outlets such as Reuters, the Associated Press, and Al Jazeera. The United Nations has called for thorough investigations into this incident and others, with human rights spokesman Thameen Al-Keetan condemning the strike as “a shock” and “unacceptable.”

    The uncertainty surrounding the aid shipment parallels the troubled history of the Amalthea plan, Cyprus’ humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza. Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, remarked last year that the Amalthea project could “never be a substitute” for land-based aid deliveries.

    In the past, aid has also been delivered to Gaza from Cyprus via a temporary jetty built and financed by the United States. However, this jetty faced numerous challenges and was only operational for a brief period before being dismantled. Installed in May last year, it was removed two months later after suffering structural damage during high winds.

    The jetty had been reattached following repairs but was removed again due to fears it could break apart once more. Additionally, delivery issues arose when the UN World Food Programme suspended operations related to the jetty after an Israeli military operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 200 Palestinians.

    Tragically, prior to these events, in April last year, seven aid workers transporting humanitarian aid overland from Cyprus were killed in simultaneous Israeli airstrikes. The complexities and dangers involved in delivering aid to Gaza remain a significant concern.

  • Amalthea aid: Amalthea Humanitarian Aid Shipment for Gaza Set to Unload Soon

    Amalthea aid: Amalthea Humanitarian Aid Shipment for Gaza Set to Unload Soon

    amalthea aid — A shipment of humanitarian aid for Gaza, part of the Amalthea project, is scheduled to arrive later this evening. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the unloading is expected to take place on Monday morning.

    Amalthea aid: Details of the Shipment

    The aid shipment, weighing a substantial 1,200 tons, will be received by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Following this, the aid will be transferred to World Central Kitchen, an organisation dedicated to providing meals to those in need.

    Timeline of the Shipment

    This operation has been in the works since the shipment left the port of Limassol on August 18. It is part of the United Nations mechanism, UN-2720, which has been carefully coordinated through UNOPS. World Central Kitchen will serve as the final contractor and distributor of the aid.

    Logistics of Delivery

    Upon arrival at the Ashdod port, the humanitarian aid will be transported to Gaza for distribution. Notably, there will be no additional security checks at the point of arrival, based on the arrangements confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 18. This streamlined process aims to ensure that the much-needed assistance reaches the individuals who require it most without unnecessary delays.

    Impact on the Gaza Community

    This significant delivery is expected to provide crucial assistance to those affected in Gaza. With ongoing humanitarian needs in the region, the Amalthea project highlights Cyprus’ continued commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts. The role of World Central Kitchen will be vital in ensuring that the aid is effectively distributed to those in need.

    Coordinated Humanitarian Efforts

    The coordination of this shipment underlines the importance of international collaboration in addressing humanitarian crises. The partnership between UNOPS and World Central Kitchen exemplifies how organisations can work together to maximise the impact of aid deliveries. Cyprus’ involvement in this project not only underscores its geographical proximity to the region but also its dedication to alleviating suffering.

    The Role of the United Nations

    The United Nations mechanism, UN-2720, is designed to facilitate humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected areas. By streamlining processes and ensuring efficient delivery systems, the UN aims to address urgent needs while maintaining the integrity of humanitarian operations.

    Looking Ahead

    As the Amalthea aid shipment prepares to arrive in Gaza, the focus remains on the effectiveness of its distribution. The collaboration between various organisations will be essential in reaching as many individuals as possible. With the aid scheduled for unloading soon, hopes are high that it will provide immediate relief to those facing dire circumstances.

    Community Reactions and Expectations

    The anticipation surrounding this shipment is palpable within the affected communities. Many individuals are looking forward to receiving support that could alleviate some of the hardships they are currently facing. The arrival of 1,200 tons of humanitarian aid represents a beacon of hope for many in Gaza.

  • Gaza Aid Ship Circles Off Israeli Coast Amid Monitoring by Government

    Gaza Aid Ship Circles Off Israeli Coast Amid Monitoring by Government

    gaza aid — The government is closely monitoring the situation regarding a ship loaded with 1,200 tonnes of aid, which is currently circling off the coast of Israel. Presidential press office director Victor Papadopoulos confirmed the government’s awareness of the complexities surrounding the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

    Speaking on CyBC radio, Papadopoulos expressed hope that “any problems which exist will be overcome” and assured that the aid would eventually reach those in need in Gaza. He emphasised the importance of safety for the individuals involved in delivering this much-needed support.

    The Panamanian-flagged vessel, named the Henke, departed from Cyprus earlier in the week, carrying primarily food items aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of children. The foreign ministry had previously stated its commitment to ensuring an increased, safe, and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza.

    As the ship awaits clearance, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to take control of Gaza City, coinciding with negotiations for the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the coordinated attacks on October 7, 2023.

    IDF chief Eyal Zamir confirmed ongoing military operations, stating, “We already have troops operating on the outskirts of the city, and more forces will join them later on.” This military escalation raises concerns about the safety of civilians and aid workers in the region.

    The situation on the ground is dire, with a member of the Reviving Gaza aid project describing the humanitarian conditions as “indescribable”. She recounted her family’s displacement, stating they have been forced to move upwards of ten times. The risks faced by civilians seeking aid are immense, with reports of fatalities at distribution points due to IDF actions.

    “People go there knowing that they are risking their lives, but they have no choice, because their children or their mothers are asking for food,” she explained. The urgency of the situation has left many in Gaza with little recourse but to seek aid despite the dangers.

    The Henke’s journey was initially seen as a vital step in alleviating the suffering of the civilian population. UN Office for Project Services executive director Jorge Moreira da Silva highlighted the need for a “rapid, unhindered, and safe flow of humanitarian aid for all civilians in need.” However, the anticipated unloading of the ship’s cargo has yet to occur, leaving many in Gaza without immediate relief.