"UAE-Led Initiative: Cyprus-Gaza Aid Corridor to Address Humanitarian Crisis"

 As of March 8, 2024, the UAE, US, EU, and UK have announced plans to open a sea corridor to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza from Cyprus. This decision comes in response to claims that Israel is blocking aid entry into Gaza, and the land routes are insufficient. The operation, set to officially start this weekend, involves a pilot voyage by a ship from Spain’s Open Arms, carrying 315,000 ready-to-eat meals prepared in collaboration with the World Central Kitchen. The focus is on ensuring a consistent supply of food to avert famine.

The aid shipments aim to address the dire situation in Gaza, where only about 150 lorries enter daily, falling short of the 300 needed to prevent famine, according to the World Food Programme. The sea corridor initiative was approved by Israel's former foreign minister, Eli Cohen, during a visit to Cyprus in December. Security checks on incoming cargo, according to Israeli standards, are confirmed, and the maritime corridor could contribute to post-war reconstruction in Gaza. Cyprus was chosen due to its proximity to Gaza and the need to complement other aid routes, including those from Egypt and Jordan.

The push for aid shipments to start before Ramadan, primarily driven by the UAE, underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The maritime corridor is seen as a crucial complement to existing routes, aiming to secure a consistent and safe supply of aid to the region.