Nicosia: The Republic of Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates said in a joint statement on Friday that, guided by humanitarian principles and fully aware of the urgent need to address the tragic humanitarian situation in Gaza, they are cooperating to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the joint statement said that in this context, the two sides reaffirm their commitment to relieving civilians by ensuring the continuous, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian aid through all available and potential routes, including the additional Amalthea Sea Corridor from Cyprus to Gaza.
Amalthea, which was initially activated in March 2024, complements the collective efforts of the international community to deliver aid by land, air and sea, the two sides say.
It is recalled that with the operational cooperation of UNOPS and World Central Kitchen, and within the framework of the mechanism of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2720, which provides for the facilitation, monitoring and verification of the flow of aid, Cyprus and the UAE have sent 1,200 tons of aid, via the port of Ashdod, for further distribution in Gaza.
The funding is provided by the UAE through the Amalthea Fund.
The joint statement further said that this significant humanitarian contribution, which also includes assistance from other partner countries and international humanitarian organizations, consists mainly of food, with an emphasis on infant formula and flour, which are essential to meet immediate needs, especially of the most vulnerable groups.
The two sides reiterate their shared commitment to continue to work closely with international partners to provide assistance on a large scale, through all available channels and throughout Gaza, always in accordance with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles, the joint statement read.