JERUSALEM. A second aid convoy, laden with nearly 400 tons of food destined for Gaza, departed from the port of Larnaca in Cyprus on Saturday, as confirmed by a witness from Reuters. This shipment, organized by the U.S.-based charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) in collaboration with Spain’s Open Arms charity, received funding primarily from the UAE and logistical support from Cypriot authorities.
The cargo, transported by a combination of a cargo ship and a platform towed by a salvage vessel, marks the continuation of relief efforts initiated earlier in March. Cyprus, in partnership with Israel, has established a maritime corridor to facilitate the direct transportation of pre-screened aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave.
During its previous mission, the WCK constructed a makeshift jetty using rubble to facilitate the offloading of approximately 200 tons of food in Gaza, where formal port facilities are lacking. In addition to the food supplies, the current dispatch includes two forklifts and a crane to assist with future marine deliveries.
In a separate initiative, the United States announced plans to construct a floating pier off the coast of Gaza to enhance aid reception. According to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, the target completion date for this project is May 1, although it could potentially be operational by mid-April.
The urgency of these efforts stems from the United Nations’ warning of an imminent famine in the northern Gaza Strip, where approximately 300,000 individuals are confined amidst ongoing conflict. Across the entirety of Gaza, comprising a population of 2.3 million, more than half could face famine conditions by July if relief efforts are not intensified.
