A shipment of approximately 900 tonnes of humanitarian aid arrived in Gaza on Thursday under the Amalthea Scheme, Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos said on Friday, noting that the Republic of Cyprus places strong emphasis on the humanitarian aspect.
The operation was carried out with the support of United Nations organisations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the United Arab Emirates and France, through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Referring to the broader role Cyprus is seeking as a bridge between the European Union and the wider region, Kombos said the country, “as is well known,” prioritises the humanitarian aspect.
“We mean what we say and we act accordingly, we do not just make declarations or remain inactive,” he said, noting that “we cannot ignore the humanitarian situation, which remains critical in Gaza.”
He added that, amid the ongoing regional crisis, a shipment of around 900 tonnes reached Gaza on Thursday through Cyprus’ Amalthea Plan.
The consignment departed on March 17 and distribution has already begun, he said. According to the Foreign Minister, it includes medical equipment, neonatal incubators, shelter equipment and food supplies.
The operation, he added, was conducted with the assistance of UN bodies such as UNDP and WHO, the United Arab Emirates and France, utilising the EU Civil Protection Mechanism “and in full coordination with UNOPS – yet another example of cooperation with the United Nations.”
