A shipment of food aid destined for Gaza departed from Cyprus on Saturday, following disruptions in humanitarian efforts in the besieged enclave after a deadly Israeli airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers. The deaths of the aid workers, six of them foreign, led to an international uproar against Israel, prompting at least three aid providers to pause operations in Gaza, including WCK.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now collaborated with an aid agency to send critical assistance to Gaza through the Israeli port of Ashdod. The vessel laden with 400 tons of food aid, named 'Jennifer,' left Larnaca Port in Cyprus and is expected to arrive at Israel's Ashdod port after a 25 to 30-hour journey. The aid will undergo Israeli security clearance upon arrival and then be 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 shipments to the south depending on the security situation. The UAE official stated that over 31,000 tons of urgent supplies have been delivered to Gaza through various means, including flights, airdrops, trucks, and ships.
Meanwhile, the UK's Royal Navy announced the deployment of the support ship 'RFA Cardigan Bay' from Cyprus to assist in building a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza. The pier, constructed by the United States, is intended to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The UK ship will accommodate US personnel working on the pier establishment.
Efforts to increase the flow of aid into Gaza are ongoing, with the UK Defense Secretary emphasizing the importance of establishing more routes for humanitarian assistance. The multinational plan involving the UK, US, and Cyprus aims to enhance the delivery of aid to Gaza, where the need for food assistance remains critical.
Despite some aid reaching Gaza, agencies report that it is insufficient to address the dire situation faced by Palestinians. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns of a looming famine in the north of Gaza between mid-March and May, underscoring the urgent need for sustained humanitarian support.
