Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Cyprus have issued a joint statement highlighting their collaborative efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza through the Amalthea Maritime Corridor. The initiative is aimed at addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in the region by facilitating the delivery of life-saving aid.

According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership between the UAE and Cyprus underscores their shared commitment to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza. Both nations have committed to ensuring the safe, sustained, and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid through all possible routes, including the newly established maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, which was activated in March 2024.

The Amalthea Maritime Corridor is part of a broader international effort to distribute aid by land, air, and sea. The operation is conducted in cooperation with UNOPS and World Central Kitchen, under the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2720. This resolution provides the mechanism for facilitating, monitoring, and verifying the aid flow. To date, the UAE and Cyprus have shipped 1,200 tonnes of aid via Ashdod Port for subsequent delivery to Gaza, with funding provided by the UAE through the Amalthea Fund.

The humanitarian aid, which is supported by partner countries and international organizations, primarily includes essential food items such as baby nutrition and flour. These supplies are critical in meeting the urgent needs of the most vulnerable populations in Gaza.

Both the UAE and Cyprus have reiterated their commitment to working closely with international partners to scale up aid delivery through all available routes across Gaza, in accordance with international humanitarian law and principles.