A humanitarian aid consignment of 1,200 tons departed from the port of Limassol on Monday evening in the framework of the Amalthea plan initiative, the Greek Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
In a press release, it said “Cyprus continues the implementation of the Amalthea plan initiative, contributing to the response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”
In this context, on Monday evening, a humanitarian aid consignment of 1,200 tons departed from the port of Limassol.
The consignment, said the Ministry, “falls under the UN-2720 mechanism and UNOPS, with the international humanitarian organisation World Central Kitchen as the final contractor and distributor. The entire undertaking is under the auspices of the UN delivery mechanism”.
It is noted that the cargo will be transferred via the Port of Ashdod, without additional security checks at the point of arrival, for distribution within Gaza on the basis of arrangements that have been made.
The aid, which includes food items, particularly to cover the nutritional needs of children, originates from Cyprus (700 tons) through the CyprusAid mechanism of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while 500 tons constitute a donation from the Government of Malta, as well as from international humanitarian organisations based in the United States, Italy, the Sovereign Order of Malta, and Kuwait, noting “the contribution of the Government of the United Arab Emirates to the entire effort is instrumental.”
Cyprus, said the Foreign Ministry, “expresses its gratitude to all states and agencies involved in this collective effort, which is being implemented in full respect of international humanitarian law and within the framework of entities operating under the United Nations.”
Moreover, it also underlined “our consistent position is on the urgent need for an increased, safe, and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid, on a massive scale, to the civilian population of Gaza.”
It is further emphasised that Cyprus’ facilities for the collection, secure inspection, and dispatch of aid remain at the disposal of the international community as an additional humanitarian channel.
Within this framework, the press release added, “Cyprus will continue to contribute constructively, as a country of the region and the closest EU Member State, by promoting and implementing humanitarian initiatives.”
In a related post on “X”, Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos referred to the dispatch of humanitarian aid, “in close cooperation and coordination with international partners and humanitarian organizations, and within the UN framework,” noting that among the 1,200 tons sent to Gaza, food items are included, specifically to cover children’s nutritional needs.
( Source: CNA)
