Japan joins humanitarian aid effort to Gaza via Cyprus route
Japan participates in the humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza via Cyprus, joining the initiative led by the EU, U.S., U.K. and the UAE
The Japanese government has announced its participation in the humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza via Cyprus, emphasizing the severe restrictions on delivering essential food, medicine and hygiene products to the Gaza Strip.
“We are working on diversifying logistical activities,” stated Kamikava, expressing the aim to swiftly deliver aid materials to all those suffering in Gaza, including women and children, the Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikava Yoko said.
Yoko pledged Japan’s participation in the “humanitarian sea corridor initiative” to reach as many in need as possible.
The Japanese Minister also highlighted the potential of the sea corridor to alleviate border restrictions in land transportation.
“We will immediately work on this matter,” Yoko affirmed.
First maritime aid convoy reaches Gaza
The initiative, led by the EU, U.S., U.K., and the United Arab Emirates, saw its first shipment of food departing from Cyprus toward Gaza earlier this week.
A private aid ship, Open Arms, arrived off the coast of Gaza early Friday, carrying the first maritime delivery for Palestinians in need. While tons of food and supplies sit on idling trucks in Egypt waiting for permission to enter the besieged enclave.
In the besieged enclave, five months of war have pushed approximately a quarter of its 2.3 million residents to the brink of famine, as reported by the United Nations. The U.N. also reported that children have already lost their lives due to malnutrition and dehydration.
This delivery included essentials such as flour, rice, and protein, collected by the World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres who operates approximately 60 kitchens throughout the Gaza Strip.
“Our objective is to create a maritime thoroughfare comprising vessels and barges loaded with millions of meals perpetually bound for Gaza,” remarked Andres and the NGO’s CEO, Erin Gore, in a statement on Tuesday.
However, amid these efforts, tragedy struck as the Palestinian Health Ministry reported casualties and injuries among people awaiting the arrival of aid on Thursday.
Source: Newsroom
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