NICOSIA, Cyprus — On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Cyprus launched a significant humanitarian effort, dispatching 1,200 metric tons of aid to Gaza via sea through Israel’s Ashdod port, according to the Cypriot Foreign Ministry. The shipment, coordinated under the Amalthea maritime corridor initiative, includes food, medical supplies, and shelter materials to address the escalating crisis in Gaza, where conflict has displaced over 1.9 million people, per Reuters.
The aid, loaded onto a cargo vessel departing from Larnaca, marks Cyprus’ largest single shipment to the region since the initiative began in March 2024. “This operation reflects our commitment to alleviating suffering in Gaza,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson told Reuters, emphasizing close coordination with Israeli authorities to ensure safe delivery. The supplies are set to be distributed by UN agencies, including the World Food Programme, amid ongoing hostilities that have left 80% of Gaza’s population facing acute food insecurity.
Key aspects of the operation include:
- Cargo Composition: 800 tons of food, 300 tons of medical supplies, and 100 tons of tents.
- Logistical Hub: Cyprus proximity to Gaza, a 12-hour sail, enables rapid aid delivery.
- International Support: Funding from the EU and UAE supports the Amalthea corridor.
The effort comes as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens, with over 40,000 reported deaths since October 2023, according to UN data. Israel’s facilitation via Ashdod, rather than direct Gaza access, reflects tightened border controls, drawing criticism from aid groups on X for delaying distribution. Cyprus, leveraging its neutral stance, has emerged as a key hub for Gaza aid, with prior shipments totaling 8,000 tons in 2024. As global calls for a ceasefire intensify, this delivery underscores efforts to mitigate the region’s dire conditions.
Source: Reuters
