Cyprus-Gaza maritime aid corridor set to open with EU, US support

In a significant development aimed at easing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the European Union has thrown its weight behind a long-awaited maritime corridor allowing aid shipments from Cyprus to the coast of Gaza.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed this pivotal initiative during her visit to the port of Larnaca on March 8,  Caliber.Az reports via Euronews.

Named “Amalthea” and led by Cyprus, the initiative enjoys support from a coalition of Western and Arab partners, including the United States and the United Arab Emirates. The establishment of this corridor marks a crucial breakthrough, providing a vital channel for humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, which have faced severe restrictions due to land routes controlled by Israel since the onset of the conflict.

Addressing reporters in Larnaca, von der Leyen underscored the European Union's commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. She announced that the EU executive would explore additional options, such as the parachuting of humanitarian cargo into Gaza. The bloc has already pledged €250 million in aid to Palestinians this year, highlighting its steadfast dedication to addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in the region.

"The maritime corridor can make a real difference to the plight of the Palestinian people, but in parallel, our efforts to provide humanitarian assistance through all possible routes will continue," stated President von der Leyen during a joint press conference with Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides.

The sea corridor is slated to formally open this weekend, with a maiden pilot operation scheduled to depart either on March 9 or 10, pending favourable conditions. This milestone comes on the heels of President Biden's announcement in his State of the Union address, confirming the US's commitment to establish a port on the Gaza coast to facilitate the swift delivery of life-saving aid.

Initial plans for the maritime corridor were disclosed by French President Emmanuel Macron following the European Council summit last October. However, senior Cypriot diplomats revealed to Euronews that the execution of the plan gained traction following US intervention. Utilizing diplomatic channels, the US successfully persuaded Israel to permit the use of the Gazan coast for humanitarian purposes, culminating in the realization of this vital lifeline for Gaza's inhabitants.

As anticipation mounts for the formal inauguration of the maritime corridor, stakeholders remain hopeful that this collaborative effort will bring much-needed relief to Gaza and signal a renewed commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.