The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Cyprus have launched a
joint initiative to deliver vital humanitarian aid to Gaza through the Amalthea
Maritime Corridor, an initiative activated in March 2024, funded by the UAE and
supported by international partners to alleviate the dire humanitarian
situation in Gaza.
UAE and Cyprus reaffirm commitment to Gaza humanitarian aid
The UAE and Cyprus have formally reaffirmed their joint
commitment to providing humanitarian relief to Palestinians in Gaza
through the Amalthea Maritime Corridor. This corridor, operational since March
2024, represents a vital maritime channel facilitating the safe and sustained
delivery of aid, complementing land and air efforts in reaching civilians amid
the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
In a statement jointly released by both nations, the
initiative is described as being fundamentally “guided by humanitarian
principles” with the primary objective of delivering life-saving
assistance to Palestinian civilians facing severe hardship.
Operation and funding of the Amalthea Maritime Corridor
The Amalthea Maritime Corridor channels aid shipments
primarily via the Port of Ashdod in Israel for onward delivery to Gaza. Since
activation, it has successfully enabled the dispatch of approximately 1,200
tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including food staples, baby nutrition
products, and flour targeted at meeting urgent nutritional needs in the GazaStrip.
Funding for this initiative is provided by the UAE through
the Amalthea Fund. The fund is an essential financial support mechanism
ensuring the corridor’s continuous operation. The UAE government’s engagement
includes a significant financial commitment, with an earlier pledge of US$15
million to support the Amalthea Fund announced in April 2024, underscoring the
country’s pivotal role in sustaining this initiative.
International cooperation and monitoring
This initiative is carried out with operational cooperation
from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and humanitarian
entities such as the World Central Kitchen. It also operates under the auspices
of UN Security Council Resolution 2720, which establishes mechanisms for
facilitation, monitoring, and verification of aid flow into Gaza.
According to reports from Arab News and Gulf Today, the
coordination between the UAE, Cyprus, UN agencies, and international partners
aims to ensure the aid reaches inhabitants of Gaza safely and in line with
international humanitarian law.
Reactions from leadership and diplomatic engagement
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign
Affairs, has commended Cyprus’s crucial role in this corridor initiative. In a
meeting with Dr. Konstantinos Kompos, the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the UAE's commitment to mobilising support for this
maritime corridor and working closely with Cyprus and other regional and
international partners to maintain and enhance the flow of humanitarian aid at
a sustainable and unimpeded rate to northern Gaza.
He also highlighted the importance of sustained
international efforts towards a durable ceasefire in the region, which would
help protect civilian lives and improve humanitarian conditions for the
Palestinian people affected by the ongoing conflict.
The humanitarian situation and urgent needs
The joint initiative focuses on addressing the critical
needs of the most vulnerable populations in Gaza, particularly infants and
young children, with food supplies including baby nutrition and flour. These
supplies are essential in light of the continued conflict involving Israel and
Hamas, which has led to significant civilian suffering and a humanitarian
crisis in Gaza.
The coordinated aid efforts through the maritime corridor
complement other land and air routes used for delivering humanitarian assistance,
ensuring a multi-modal channel to increase the volume and reliability of relief
reaching Gaza.
Regional and international support
The initial activation of the maritime corridor drew support
from various countries and international stakeholders, including the European
Commission, the United States, the United Kingdom, and others who have endorsed
the opening of this additional route to facilitate aid delivery by sea.
A joint statement from March 2024 by the European Commission, Cyprus, the UAE, the United States, and the United Kingdom emphasised that this maritime corridor
"can—and must—be part of a sustained effort to increase the flow of humanitarian aid and commercial commodities into Gaza through all possible routes,”
highlighting the complex
logistical and operational challenges anticipated and the need for continued
assessment and coordination to maximise aid effectiveness.
Looking ahead: continued cooperation and expansion
Both the UAE and Cyprus have reiterated their willingness to
continue working closely with international partners to scale up aid delivery
through all available channels. They also reaffirmed their commitment to
operate within the framework of international humanitarian law and principles,
ensuring aid reaches civilians without obstruction.
Officials on both sides consider the Amalthea Maritime
Corridor not only a strategic channel but also a symbol of humanitarian
solidarity. They have pledged to maintain this cooperation to expand access to
essential relief across Gaza, seeking to alleviate suffering amid a complex and
volatile regional environment.