The Cypriot government is turning its attention to the economic viability of the “Amalthea” project after the completion of the work of the meeting of technocrats from 36 countries, who met last Thursday in Larnaca to coordinate the actions of sending humanitarian aid to Gaza.

During the meeting, technocrats expressed their countries’ interest in financial support for the humanitarian corridor to Gaza, while a few hours later optimistic messages also arrived from Brussels through the mouth of President Christodoulides.

The transfer of humanitarian aid through Cyprus to Gaza has begun

The Cypriot President, confirming the interest in the creation of a Fund that will support the “Amalthea” project, referred to an information he received from the Dutch Prime Minister about a contribution of 10 million euros, while the EU appears ready to contribute an amount of 70 million euros.

Besides, in his interview with Euronews yesterday, Nikos Christodoulidis emphasized the need to strengthen the “Amalthia” project in order to boost even more the effectiveness and the volume of humanitarian aid. He also noted that the humanitarian corridor to Gaza can also play a role in the day after the war for the reconstruction of the area.

Open issues

At the same time, however, on the ground, several open issues remain for the smooth operation of the humanitarian corridor, such as, for example, the need for more logistical support at the Port of Larnaca, but also for greater coordination for the transfer of aid from third countries to Cyprus.

To date only one ship with humanitarian aid has sailed from Larnaca to Gaza, while a second shipment which was ready to sail to Gaza remains in Larnaca, the delay being attributed to unfavorable weather conditions.

However, humanitarian aid missions are expected to increase after yesterday’s call by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Israel not to prevent the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza either by land or by sea.

Source: DW