A shipment of humanitarian aid has departed from a port in Cyprus and is en route to the U.S-built pier in Gaza, marking the first delivery to the newly constructed ramp, as confirmed by Cyprus’ foreign minister. The relief comes at a critical time, with the United Nations warning of an imminent famine in Gaza and Israeli troops mandating the evacuation of 100,000 Palestinians from the southern city of Rafah.
Israel's recent deployment of tanks to seize the nearby Rafah crossing with Egypt has further exacerbated the situation, effectively halting the flow of vital assistance into the besieged enclave. The looming possibility of an all-out invasion of Rafah by Israel remains uncertain as international efforts for a cease-fire persist.
With over 34,800 Palestinians reported dead by Gaza health officials and 80% of the population displaced from their homes, the need for humanitarian aid is urgent. The U.S. vessel, laden with essential supplies, set sail from the Larnaca port with the objective of maximizing aid delivery through the maritime corridor, according to Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos.
Despite the maritime relief efforts, humanitarian organizations emphasize that sea-bound aid alone may not suffice to alleviate the dire conditions in Gaza. The closure of the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings this week has severely impeded the entry of food, supplies, and fuel for aid operations, prompting concerns of imminent shutdowns of critical services and hospitals in Gaza.
While Israel announced the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing following an incident that claimed the lives of four Israeli soldiers, aid groups report that no trucks have been permitted to enter the Gaza side. The logistical challenges of unloading and reloading cargo from Israeli trucks onto Gaza-bound vehicles remain unaddressed due to safety concerns for workers in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, underscoring the pressing need for sustained humanitarian assistance and diplomatic efforts to mitigate the crisis.
