Nicosia: The first 600 tonnes of humanitarian aid arrived in Gaza on Thursday under the Amalthea Initiative, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis told reporters during a media briefing at the Presidential Palace. He added that a second shipment would follow, bringing the total cargo for the mission to 900 tonnes.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis confirmed that the shipment includes medicines, medical equipment, hygiene supplies, food, and shelter equipment. He emphasized that Cyprus has developed a comprehensive and reliable humanitarian support system that covers the entire chain, from the collection and storage of aid to its screening, inspection, operational coordination, and safe departure for Gaza.
Letymbiotis further stated that more than 37,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid have been shipped and delivered through the maritime humanitarian corridor to date. He highlighted that Cyprus is not just an observer but is leveraging its geographical position, relationships of trust, and international credibility to provide genuine assistance.
In an extremely challenging humanitarian situation, the Republic of Cyprus continues to act as a reliable, useful, and active partner of the international community, the Government Spokesman concluded.
Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides shared on X that in October 2023, Cyprus first presented its proposal to establish a maritime humanitarian corridor from Cyprus to Gaza at a conference in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Despite initial skepticism about the feasibility of the initiative, both domestically and internationally, Cyprus moved forward, driven by a sense of moral responsibility and aiming to highlight its role in the region and in addressing the humanitarian crisis.
The President noted that, to date, more than 37,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid have been transported through the Amalthea Initiative. He also mentioned that on August 25, 2026, a new 900-tonne shipment left Cyprus, reaffirming the continuity and operational use of the maritime humanitarian corridor.