NICOSIA: A top European Union official arrived in Cyprus on Friday to assess preparations for sending vital aid to Gaza by sea. This comes shortly after President Joe Biden announced that the US military would establish a temporary port off Gaza’s Mediterranean coast to facilitate aid deliveries.
The move to significantly increase aid shipments reflects mounting frustration with Israel’s conduct in the conflict, both in the United States and Europe.
Biden’s announcement of the sea port plan underscores the need for alternative routes to deliver aid to Gaza, bypassing Israel’s control, its main ally in the Middle East and the largest recipient of US military aid. Israel has accused Hamas of intercepting some aid deliveries.
Efforts to establish a maritime route for aid come amid growing concern over widespread hunger among Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants. Northern Gaza, in particular, has faced severe food shortages due to months of isolation by Israeli forces and frequent disruptions to food supplies.
Hospital reports have highlighted the dire situation, with doctors reporting 20 deaths due to malnutrition at two hospitals in northern Gaza. Despite expressing support for Israel, Biden used his State of the Union address to urge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow aid into Gaza.
US officials anticipate that it will take several weeks for the Gaza pier to become operational. Discussions and preparations involving officials from the US, Europe, Israel, and the Middle East have been underway for a maritime aid route.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, arrived in Cyprus to inspect facilities at the port of Larnaca, which has been offered by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides for aid shipments to Gaza.
While the timing of the first ship’s departure remains uncertain, it is speculated that it could occur as early as Sunday, coinciding with the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. A vessel belonging to Spain’s Open Arms NGO is currently stationed at Larnaca, awaiting permission to deliver food aid from World Central Kitchen, a US charity founded by chef José Andrés.
Despite efforts by aid groups to deliver supplies to Gaza, challenges persist due to coordination issues with the Israeli military, ongoing hostilities, and the breakdown of public order. The difficulty is compounded in reaching the isolated northern region.
Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, emphasized the importance of land routes for aid delivery, stating that air and sea shipments alone cannot address the supply shortage.
While international efforts to negotiate a ceasefire before Ramadan have faced obstacles, there remains hope for progress. However, both Hamas and Israel have specific conditions for any potential agreement, prolonging the negotiations.
Egyptian mediators have been working to facilitate a six-week ceasefire, which would involve the release of hostages held by Hamas, the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, and increased access for aid groups. However, both parties are hesitant to compromise on their demands, prolonging the mediation process.
