Second vessel departs Cyprus for Gaza with humanitarian aid

Second ship carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza departes from Cyprus, marking significant milestone in the ongoing humanitarian effort led by Spanish organization Open Arms and US-based World Central Kitchen

A second ship carrying supplies sailed from Cyprus on Saturday, starting a fresh round of humanitarian relief for Gaza. Crucial supplies are being sent to the conflict-ridden area by the effort, which is being led by the Spanish organization Open Arms and the US-based World Central Kitchen.

The goal of the over 400 tons of goods that are on board is to provide Gaza’s struggling citizens with much-needed relief. The supplies include necessities like rice, pasta, wheat, lentils, canned veggies, and proteins. Interestingly, the United Arab Emirates kindly sent a special shipment of dates, which are often used to break fasts during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Following Cyprus’ diplomatic attempts to construct a maritime corridor to Gaza, the barge’s departure from the port of Larnaca, followed by two rescue boats, represents a key milestone. The already grave humanitarian situation has been made worse by Israeli soldiers’ occupation of the area since late October.

The trip to Gaza is predicted to take around 65 hours, according to reports from the government-funded Cyprus News Agency. A temporary dock has been set up upon arrival to facilitate the humanitarian aid’s effective unloading and quick distribution to people in need.

Source: AFP