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.