The extensive report yesterday by The New York Times on the floating platform that the US Army is planning to build to facilitate the unloading and transportation of humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza, as well as the detailed announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates regarding the 400 tons of aid that arrived yesterday via the ship Jenifer, were indicative enough of the new momentum surrounding the Cypriot initiative with the humanitarian corridor.
According to our sources, diplomatic circles in Nicosia are in constant contact with the Americans on the matter, and developments are expected within the week.
The US commitment to transporting humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza operates both diplomatically and practically to bolster the efforts of the Republic of Cyprus concerning the continuation and enhancement of the “Amalthea” initiative.
The creation of the Humanitarian Aid Fund is also expected to be signed within the week.
In their report yesterday, The New York Times presented details on the construction and operation of the floating dock in Gaza, being built by the US Army for the transportation of humanitarian aid from Cyprus.
According to the report, 1000 American soldiers and sailors are employed in the construction of the dock, as stated by a senior military official at the Pentagon on Thursday.
Initially, the dock will be able to transport 90 trucks of humanitarian aid per day, gradually increasing to 150 trucks per day when fully operational.
When the aid reaches the shores of Gaza, humanitarian organizations will distribute it within Gaza, facing known risks and obstacles amidst Israeli bombardments, the newspaper reports.
Detailing the steps taken for international aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza, The New York Times mentions that the majority of the aid will be food, collected from various countries and transported to the port of Larnaca.
This includes nutrient-rich bars from Dubai, food for addressing severe child malnutrition from Kenya, and relief supplies including hygiene kits from Europe. It notes that other countries will also contribute food and funds.
Subsequently, at the port of Larnaca, Israeli representatives will be present as Cypriot authorities inspect the aid’s contents, according to The New York Times, citing an Israeli official familiar with the inspection program.
According to the report, at least 14 American ships are involved in the construction and operation of the dock.
Some carry necessary heavy equipment and machinery. Members of the US services will build the dock at sea using modular units eight feet (2.4 meters) wide and 20 or 40 feet (6 or 12 meters) long, and a large ship will transport them to the shore. It will then be anchored by Israeli forces off the coast of northern Gaza to ensure no American forces are on the ground.
The Jenifer arrived yesterday with 400 tons
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates announced on Sunday that 400 tons of food have reached the port of Ashdod via Larnaca to meet the needs of the people of Gaza.
In a press release, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the country collaborated with the American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) “to scale up humanitarian aid to the brotherly people of Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis.”
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy emphasized the country’s commitment to cooperation with international partners to address the tragic humanitarian conditions facing civilians in Gaza.
Anera’s CEO and President, Sean Carroll, expressed gratitude for the cooperation with the UAE government in providing vital assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
Carroll stressed the importance of this mission, hoping it will mark the beginning of many deliveries including thousands of tons of aid.
