Washington approaches the “Amalthea” initiative with greater enthusiasm than the United Nations, which sees the humanitarian corridor as a positive action but at the same time considers it insufficient to meet the needs of the civilian population in Gaza.
The UN’s approach doesn’t seem to align with that of the Cypriot government and the US, who believe that through the maritime humanitarian corridor, larger quantities of aid can be transported to the Palestinian enclave.
Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s Senior Humanitarian Coordinator for Gaza, briefed the Security Council members on Wednesday about the situation in the region.
In recent months, Kaag has discussed detailed proposals with the governments of Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Cyprus to expedite and streamline the delivery of goods to Gaza and ensure a consistent supply route for safe distribution across the Gaza Strip.
Regarding Cyprus, Kaag said, “Cyprus’ maritime corridor has contributed additionally to the distribution of humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, it can never replace land deliveries. Land routes are the only way to transport the bulk of necessary supplies.”
During the briefing, Kaag also noted that the UN is in contact with the Israeli government for other urgently needed or ongoing measures.
These include issues related to checkpoints, road repairs, timely clearances to allow humanitarian convoys as planned, approval of additional communication devices, armored vehicles, and spare parts for critical equipment.
She reiterated that the implementation of the agreement for the evacuation of doctors and wounded individuals is equally urgent.
On the other hand, Sonali Korde, Assistant Administrator for the Middle East at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), stated that the maritime corridor is progressing rapidly and according to schedule, emphasizing close cooperation with CENTCOM personnel in the region responsible for the project.
“We have colleagues in Cyprus and the Cypriot government. We have a coalition of partners working around this: the EU and the United Kingdom,” said Cordt.
She also added, “We are working with CENTCOM and Israeli colleagues to create this assistance method, as well as the landing point on the beach in Gaza, and simultaneously working with UN partners to manage aid distribution to Gaza. This is a humanitarian initiative,” she added.
On his part, Pentagon spokesperson Wing Commander Patrick Reider explained that the floating temporary pier, which is naturally several miles away from the coast, will be able to accommodate both political and military vessels capable of unloading humanitarian aid.
“All necessary vessels are in the Mediterranean region and are ready to depart when the order is given,” he assured.
“There is a process that must be followed. Those responsible for drafting the plan have worked out the details of everything, including ground security, coordination with supporting partners, NGOs, cooperation with USAID,” Reider explained.
“There is a very specific process and timeline that must be followed. We are on track at the moment to implement it,” he concluded.
