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Tag: Amalthea corridor

  • Amalthea plan — Over 30,000 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid Delivered to Gaza via Cyprus’ Amalthea Plan

    Amalthea plan — Over 30,000 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid Delivered to Gaza via Cyprus’ Amalthea Plan

    More than 30,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid have been delivered to Gaza through Cyprus’ Amalthea aid corridor, highlighting the ongoing commitment to support the region amidst ongoing challenges. Foreign Minister Constantinos Komnos announced this significant milestone on Sunday, noting that the majority of the aid consists of food supplies.

    Since the inception of the Amalthea initiative, Cyprus has actively facilitated the transfer of essential goods, positioning personnel at the civil-military coordination centre (CMCC) northeast of the Gaza Strip. This location, situated in the Israeli town of Kiryat Gat, has been crucial for coordinating the flow of aid into Gaza.

    Komnos expressed the government’s intention to broaden the types of products that can be sent through the corridor, aiming to include dual-use products that could further assist the civilian population. This expansion reflects a responsive approach to the evolving needs of those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

    During a recent summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, President Nikos Christodoulides’ invitation underscored the international recognition of Cyprus’ efforts, with commendation from both the United States and Egypt. The discussions at this summit also pointed to the potential for a more systematic flow of aid to Gaza via the Israeli port of Ashdod, a move that could enhance the efficiency and stability of aid deliveries.

    Recent developments have seen another shipment of 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid leave Cyprus, which has already been offloaded and is currently being distributed to those in need. This steady stream of support is a testament to the operational capacity of the Amalthea plan.

    The journey of the Amalthea plan has not been without its hurdles. Its history includes previous attempts to deliver aid through a temporary jetty constructed along Gaza’s coast, financed by the United States. However, this jetty faced significant structural issues and was ultimately rendered unusable after just 12 days of operation.

    In June last year, the UN World Food Programme suspended its operations related to the jetty following military actions in the area, which resulted in a tragic loss of life. Despite these setbacks, aid has increasingly been routed directly to Ashdod, suggesting that the current mechanism for delivery is becoming more robust and reliable.

    In the context of the broader geopolitical landscape, Christodoulides has indicated that the Amalthea initiative is part of a multi-faceted plan aimed at supporting the future of Gaza, aligning with the objectives set forth by United States President Donald Trump. The mechanisms established under the Amalthea plan offer viable solutions for expedited security checks in Cyprus, paving the way for future aid initiatives.

  • Amalthea Plan Delivers Shelter Material from Cyprus to Gaza

    Amalthea Plan Delivers Shelter Material from Cyprus to Gaza

    Shelter material sent from Cyprus via the Amalthea plan has successfully arrived in Gaza, marking a significant step in humanitarian aid efforts. The material was dispatched following a collaborative initiative involving non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on the ground and the Cypriot foreign ministry, which announced the delivery on Saturday.

    Amalthea plan: Ongoing Distribution of Aid

    The Cypriot foreign ministry confirmed that distribution to local families is already underway. “Distribution to families is underway while more humanitarian aid is on the way. We will continue our efforts to support civilians on the ground,” the ministry stated in a post on X.

    Collaboration with International Agencies

    This delivery was carried out in close cooperation with The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the global disaster relief nonprofit organisation All Hands and Hearts. Their involvement highlights the coordinated approach needed to address the urgent humanitarian needs in the region.

    President Christodoulides’ Vision for Gaza

    In an interview with Euronews, President Nikos Christodoulides discussed Cyprus’ broader humanitarian strategy for Gaza. He elaborated on a six-point plan aimed at complementing US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, reaffirming Cyprus’ commitment to supporting rebuilding efforts in the region. This plan was initially presented at the “Gaza Peace Summit” in Sharm el-Sheikh earlier this month and was recently shared with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

    A Connector Between Regions

    During the interview, Christodoulides underscored Cyprus’ strategic position as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East. He expressed a readiness to engage with all regional partners, including the EU and the US, to facilitate a comprehensive approach to humanitarian aid and reconstruction.

    Key Objectives of the Humanitarian Initiative

    One of the primary objectives of the Amalthea plan is to create a maritime corridor that enables the safe transport of humanitarian supplies and reconstruction materials into Gaza. “When (…) the conditions are there, reconstruction should start. And that is why point three of our proposals is the rubble removal and reconstruction enabling,” Christodoulides explained. This strategy aims to facilitate the necessary logistics for rebuilding efforts in the war-affected territory.

    A Historical Perspective on the Initiative

    The initiative for a humanitarian maritime passageway was first proposed to the European Council at the end of October 2023, shortly after the outbreak of the conflict in the region. Supported by the EU, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, and the US, the plan aims to deliver essential humanitarian assistance by sea.

    The Impact of Ongoing Conflict

    UN estimates indicate that more than 90 per cent of Gaza’s residential buildings have been either damaged or destroyed since the conflict escalated in October 2023. This devastation has resulted in nearly 50 million tons of rubble, a daunting challenge that is expected to take decades to clear. The humanitarian situation remains critical, emphasising the need for continued support and intervention.

    Looking Ahead

    The arrival of shelter materials through the Amalthea plan represents a crucial effort to alleviate immediate suffering in Gaza. As Cyprus continues to lead humanitarian initiatives, the focus will remain on effective collaboration with international partners to ensure that aid reaches those in need.