A shipment of food aid destined for Gaza has departed from Cyprus, marking a crucial step in providing much-needed assistance to the besieged enclave. This comes after a deadly Israeli airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers, prompting international outrage and causing disruptions in humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
The United Arab Emirates has partnered with an aid agency to send vital assistance to Gaza through the Israeli port of Ashdod. The aid-laden vessel, named 'Jennifer,' left Cyprus and is expected to arrive at Ashdod port after a 25 to 30-hour journey. The aid, totaling 400 tons, will undergo Israeli security clearance before being transported to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing.
ANERA, the aid agency involved in the operation, aims to distribute the aid in northern Gaza with potential plans to extend assistance to the south depending on the security situation. The UAE has already delivered over 31,000 tons of supplies through various means, including flights, airdrops, trucks, and ships.
In a coordinated effort, the UK Royal Navy's support ship 'RFA Cardigan Bay' has set sail from Cyprus to assist in building a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza. This initiative, supported by the United States, aims to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Despite ongoing efforts, aid agencies stress that the current level of assistance is insufficient to address the dire needs of Palestinians in Gaza. The World Food Programme has highlighted the urgent requirement for continuous food aid, as half of Gaza's population is on the verge of starvation.
As the situation in Gaza remains critical, international collaborations and initiatives like the food aid shipment and pier construction are crucial steps towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
